Fabrice Leggeri, who represents Rassemblement national in the European Parliament, cited migration and integration policy while discussing French protest violence, but his suggested causal link remains unverified.
In an Oct. 21 interview with Euronews, Leggeri criticized France’s integration and migration policies and said, “Failures of the past have consequences today.” Euronews’ account did not identify evidence tying either policy to particular acts of violence.
The CGT union supported the Oct. 17 mobilization and cited demands for higher wages and pensions, lower prices and stronger public services. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 550,000 people joined 110 marches across France, including 110,000 in Paris. The CGT estimated nearly 800,000 participants nationwide. Violence and looting occurred alongside the marches.
In a review of separate claims blaming migrants for the riots, The Associated Press reported that French authorities and police had not linked immigrants to the rioting. Its review addressed those separate claims rather than Leggeri’s specific policy argument.
After an Oct. 19 crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu instructed prefects to impose partial curfews in some areas to protect people and property, particularly shops. Lecornu announced a support fund for businesses and employment assistance for affected shops and workers.
The Education Ministry’s consultation with students on school conditions closes Oct. 23. Further decisions on the issues are expected by the end of October. The CGT has called for more strikes and demonstrations on Nov. 5.
