DOHA, Qatar | October 21, 2026 | French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump and other foreign political figures for blaming Muslim migrants for France’s recent riots, accusing them of spreading misleading information and exploiting the unrest for political gain.
Speaking to reporters in Qatar on Wednesday, Macron described the claims as “unacceptable” and “stupid.” Asked whether he was referring to Trump, Macron replied, “Among others,” according to reports on his remarks.
Trump has linked the violence to immigration and radical Islam, urging Macron to close France’s borders. Macron rejected claims that France had been overwhelmed by migrants and Islamists, and warned that artificial intelligence-generated images depicting events that never happened were contributing to misinformation about the unrest.
The remarks followed demonstrations on October 17 over rising living costs and concerns about public services, which escalated into rioting and looting in Paris and other French cities. The unrest prompted questions about the government’s security response and intensified political debate over immigration, economic hardship and public order.
Macron said he would not allow further violence during planned demonstrations. The Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 over fuel taxes and the rising cost of living, has called for another march in Paris on Saturday, October 24. Student groups are also planning demonstrations, while trade unions have called for nationwide mobilization on November 5.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised reinforced security measures following criticism of the authorities’ handling of the October 17 unrest. The government faces pressure to prevent further violence while protecting the right to peaceful protest and responding to public concerns over living costs and deteriorating public services.
Macron made the comments during a Gulf tour focused partly on securing energy supplies as France faces rising fuel costs. He also announced efforts to obtain additional diesel supplies from Gulf countries.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
