Trump urges France to close borders after violent protests

Former US President Donald Trump has called on France to close its borders and tighten control, commenting on the ongoing demonstrations in the country and claiming that immigration has "torn apart" France. His remarks came a day after large-scale protests erupted into violence.

Writing on the Truth Social platform, Trump said: "France is burning! The migration of people from a completely different world, people who harbor hatred in their hearts, has torn apart what was once a great country." He added: "Close your borders and take control before it is too late!"

Protests across France escalated into riots on Saturday, with a town hall set on fire, shops looted, and building walls covered in graffiti. Violent groups clashed with police in cities nationwide.

One protester died of cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris, where police reported a record 855 arrests.

Across France, the interior minister said police detained around 1,800 people in total, and more than 500 officers were injured.

Over half a million people joined marches in dozens of cities, as a month-long student movement converged with broader social discontent over rising living costs and declining public services.

President Emmanuel Macron's office said he would address the nation at 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) on Sunday.