Trump mocks France as mass protests erupt into looting, fires and street violence

France was gripped by its worst civil unrest in years at the weekend as nationwide protests against soaring inflation and declining public services descended into widespread looting, arson and clashes with police. Luxury boutiques including Hermès and Apple stores were ransacked, while a 140-year-old town hall in Limoges was set ablaze, leaving residents shocked and heartbroken. Authorities said hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated across the country, with trade union members, students and remnants of the Yellow Vest movement marching together in a broad coalition demanding structural change.

President Emmanuel Macron rejected his interior minister's resignation and vowed an "uncompromising" response to the disorder, calling publicly for calm and order. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced nightly curfews across city centres including Paris, Bordeaux, Nice and Lyon, saying they would continue "wherever required" and for as long as necessary. The first curfew-enforced night was reported to be relatively peaceful.

The unrest drew international attention, including a mocking remark from former United States President Donald Trump, who posted "Let's Go To France" as images of burning buildings and looted streets circulated globally. The violence has piled fresh political pressure on Macron's government ahead of a critical budget vote, with analysts warning that short-term security measures alone are unlikely to address the deep structural grievances driving protesters onto the streets.