US President Donald Trump on Monday blamed French President Emmanuel Macron’s immigration policies for the unrest sweeping France, claiming the violence could have been avoided if his European counterpart had adopted stricter immigration controls.

Speaking outside the White House, Trump said he had warned Macron years ago against allowing large numbers of immigrants into France.

“Paris is going to be a Muslim city very soon, and that wasn’t the deal,” Trump said, alleging that immigration had significantly changed the French capital’s demographics.

His remarks came as French authorities imposed targeted curfews and restrictions on public gatherings following a weekend of riots, looting and clashes between protesters and police.

France Imposes Curfews After Weekend Violence

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the government was introducing localised restrictions rather than imposing a blanket curfew across Paris, while keeping open the possibility of declaring a state of emergency.

“My determination to restore order is absolute,” Lecornu said.

Paris police banned demonstrations in certain areas from 8 pm on Monday and imposed a curfew around Place de la Republique and Les Halles from 11 pm until 6 am on Tuesday. Additional officers were deployed to enforce the measures.

France’s Interior Ministry said around 2,400 people had been arrested and nearly 1,000 police officers injured during the unrest. One protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Saturday.

The Federation of Trade and Retail reported that nearly 3,000 shops had been affected by the violence, prompting calls for government assistance to businesses hit by the destruction.

Macron Condemns Destruction

Macron condemned the violence in a televised address, expressing anger over attacks on businesses and public property.

“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,” he said, while questioning how French citizens could engage in such destruction.

The French president acknowledged that peaceful protesters could have legitimate grievances but said their demands should not be conflated with looting and violence.

Macron stopped short of declaring a state of emergency but said local authorities would be empowered to ban demonstrations when necessary to protect public buildings and businesses.

The unrest has increased pressure on the government to restore order, safeguard businesses and address public concerns over security as police continue enforcing restrictions in affected areas.