Paris/Washington: Amidst massive student protests in France against the dismal state of the school and education system, US President Donald Trump has made a controversial post regarding the movement on ‘Truth Social’.
Trump claimed on ‘Truth Social’ that the unrest in France is caused by “uncontrolled mass migration” and Islam.
In his post, Trump wrote, “What’s happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration. This isn’t about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country! President DJT”
According to him, the current situation in France is not about schools, but about the threats posed by mass migration and Islam.
Trump’s statement comes as France grapples with political and economic pressures.
Political rivalry within the country appears to be intensifying ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with various political parties targeting the government over the student protests.
Meanwhile, Trump’s statement has added another political dimension to the reasons behind the student protests in France.
Overall, the ongoing protests in France are no longer confined to school campuses; large numbers of students, teachers, and parents have taken to the streets.
Police action, serious injuries sustained by students, and the government’s response have further fueled the controversy.
Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks on migration and Islam have turned the entire incident into a subject of international political discourse.
According to available reports, the current student protests in France were sparked by the deplorable state of the education system.
Key grievances among students include a shortage of teachers and other staff, dilapidated school buildings, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and insufficient government funding for education. These protests have now spread across various parts of France.
According to the French Interior Ministry, approximately 266,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide on Tuesday, October 6, including about 56,000 in Paris.
Student unions have claimed a much higher turnout, estimating the number of protesters at around 450,000.
Police have used tear gas and water cannons in several locations. According to the Interior Ministry, 488 people were arrested on Tuesday.
While many protests remained peaceful, violent clashes between protesters and police occurred in some areas.
Some students have sustained serious injuries during these protests. On October 5, a 15-year-old student in the northern French city of Lens suffered a severe hand injury caused by a grenade; an investigation into this incident is underway.
Questions are also being raised regarding police conduct. A French police officer has been accused of violence for allegedly throwing a tear gas canister close to the face of a 14-year-old student.
Pressure is mounting on the French government.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated on Tuesday that the discontent and concerns expressed by students are genuine and that the government must listen to them. However, he also warned against exploiting the protests for political purposes.
The government has already promised to address issues such as teacher shortages, the deplorable condition of schools, and extended school hours. However, student organizations maintain that the government’s response to meeting their demands remains inadequate.
