By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON –French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday has accused US President Donald Trump and other foreign leaders of exploiting France’s recent unrest for political gain, condemned misleading immigration claims and artificial intelligence-generated images that he said distorted the events.
France has imposed targeted curfews after the October 17 violence. Authorities are preparing additional security measures ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations.
Macron’s rebuke came on Wednesday during a visit to Qatar, days after violent clashes and looting overshadowed nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services.
India has advised its citizens in France to avoid protest sites and remain vigilant as authorities prepare for another round of demonstrations on October 24.
Macron rejected suggestions that foreign interference had triggered the unrest but accused political figures abroad of amplified false narratives after the violence.
“There was foreign manipulation of information which led to unacceptable and even stupid comments by many, including foreign leaders,” Macron told reporters in Doha.
Macron said “Among others,” when asked whether his criticism was directed at Trump.
Trump has blamed the violence in France on immigration, argued that European countries face serious consequences unless they tighten border controls.
He was speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump claimed the French unrest was unrelated to problems in schools or domestic policies.
“Well, France, it is a very sad situation what’s happening in France, because what’s happening in France has to do with immigration, not schools, not anything. It’s immigration,” Trump said.
He also warned that Paris would become a “Muslim city” and said he had previously urged Macron to close France’s borders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that France was confronting an “invasion of extremist Islam”.
Netanyahu accused French authorities of failing to prepare for the violence and called for a tougher response to extremists in an interview with French-language broadcaster i24News.
Macron disputed the portrayal of France’s protests as an Islamist or migrant-led uprising.
He said artificial intelligence-generated material had circulated online, depicting events that had never taken place.
Macron also accused foreign politicians of turned France’s domestic crisis into material for their election campaigns.
The Embassy of India in Paris issued a safety advisory urged Indian nationals living in or visiting France to exercise caution after violent demonstrations prompted localized curfews and security restrictions.
The embassy asked citizens to avoid large gatherings, in areas affected by protests, and comply with instructions from French authorities.
It also warned travelers about possible disruptions to road transport and public transit.
Indians planning journeys within France have been advised to remain in contact with airlines and travel agencies for schedule updates.
The embassy shared emergency contact details for Indian nationals requiring assistance.
France prepared another round of demonstrations on Saturday after protests descended into violence in several cities.
The demonstrations brought students, trade unions and other groups demanding relief from rising living costs and improvements in public services.
Much of the protest activity was peaceful, clashes with police, arson and widespread looting prompted a major security response.
The authorities introduced targeted curfews and restrictions in affected areas.
Macron said he would convene a meeting with ministers and intelligence officials on Thursday to review the violence and assess security preparations for the coming protests.
The government has pledged to use available legal measures to prevent a repeat of the disorder, while Macron has maintained that a nationwide state of emergency is not currently necessary.
The unrest has also intensified pressure on his administration over household expenses and energy prices.
Macron’s Gulf visit has focused partly on securing additional energy supplies for France, including diesel commitments from regional partners, as his government seeks to ease the economic pressures behind public discontent, media reports stated.
