Trump: Islam Causes Protests in France!
Paris-Washington-Agencies: France suspended the use of sound bombs during high school student protests following the amputation of a boy’s hand, while US President Donald Trump blamed immigration and Islam for the unrest. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “What is happening in France is nothing but uncontrolled mass immigration. This is not about schools, but about Islam’s desire to take control of a country that was once great.” French authorities did not immediately comment on the US president’s remarks.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced yesterday the suspension of sound bomb use “in the context of high school student protests,” following an incident that led to the amputation of the hand of a 15-year-old protester. Speaking on French radio station RTL, Nunez said, “I am suspending their use during high school student demonstrations until the truth about the circumstances of this case is clear.” The minister also announced that the General Inspectorate of Police has opened investigations into 18 cases so far, as many protesters denounce the actions of security forces, whose members face accusations of excessive violence.
Student protesters are demonstrating against the poor condition of school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and teacher shortages without substitutes. They plan to organize new demonstrations on Thursday, despite the government’s call for them to return to educational institutions for dialogue. Tens of thousands took to the streets across France on Tuesday demanding improvements in high schools, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to hold an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and several senior ministers to find a solution to the crisis.
The Interior Ministry estimated around 256,000 protesters participated on Tuesday, including high school students, teachers, parents, and union members, with 56,000 in Paris. Organizers claimed 450,000 people participated nationwide, including 100,000 in Paris. Authorities fear the protests could spread nationwide as university students are expected to join high school students.
This wave of protests comes months before the presidential elections, amid a tense social and political climate, rising prices, and budget-cutting measures that affect young people, such as housing allowances.
