Macron slams Trump, India urges citizens in France to remain vigilant

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday blasted the “unacceptable and even stupid” remarks made by President Trump and others claiming student riots in France are the result of immigration. “We have people who explained that we have been invaded by hordes of migrants and Islamists, which is totally false,” Macron told reporters in Doha, Qatar. “For me, there is no visible foreign interference in the events that took place. On the other hand, there was foreign manipulation of information which led to unacceptable and even stupid comments by many, including foreign leaders.”  When asked by reporters if that included Trump’s comments, Macron said, “Among others, but he is part of it.” Macron condemned violence that has spiraled out of the massive demonstrations, some of which have turned into rioting on city streets. He said the government’s objective now is “to hear and respect the concerns, the disagreements, sometimes the anger that is there to address their root causes to do so in an orderly manner.”

WATCH: Macron — foreign leaders’ France riot comments ‘stupid’ Brut: blasts AI-fueled disinformation; asked if Trump, says ‘among others’ https://t.co/jwd2J30nGK

— Silent Politics◾️ (@silentpolitics1) October 21, 2026

Meanwhile,the Indian Embassy in Paris has issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in France and those planning to travel to the country, urging them to remain vigilant amid violent protests, clashes and localised curfews imposed after a weekend of unrest. “In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said.It asked Indians to avoid large gatherings and crowded places where demonstrations are taking place and follow instructions issued by French authorities. “In case of any emergency, Indian nationals can contact: Embassy of India, Paris: +33 6 48 34 00 63 | cons.paris@mea.gov.in,” the advisory added.

Advisory for Indian Nationals in France and Those Travelling to France In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities. Please also stay informed through local news, follow official updates (https://t.co/mmCApj3WkV) and check for public transport disruptions (https://t.co/iyq6LLm83T). In case of any emergency, Indian nationals can contact: Embassy of India, Paris: +33 6 48 34 00 63 | cons.paris@mea.gov.in Consulate General of India, Marseille: +33 7 43 16 25 59| cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @CGIMarseille @PIB_India @mygovindia

— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) October 21, 2026

The advisory comes as France prepares for another round of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, October 24, following riots that caused widespread destruction and led to thousands of arrests on October 17, Xinhua news agency reported. The unrest began in late September 2026 amid concerns over poor school conditions and teacher shortages. The movement subsequently expanded into nationwide anti-government demonstrations, driven by rising living costs, high fuel prices, public sector budget cuts and discontent with Macron's administration. While most youth-led demonstrations have been peaceful, violence has broken out on the sidelines of protests in several European countries, including France, Spain and Albania.