Vance blames immigration for France unrest as fire guts 143-year-old town hall

US Vice President JD Vance has launched a scathing attack on France’s immigration policies, blaming them for the country’s escalating unrest as violent protests over education cuts, rising living costs and public services swept several cities.

The demonstrations were marked by arson, looting and clashes with police, with a fire partially destroying the 143-year-old town hall in Limoges. Vance’s remarks follow an earlier intervention by US president Donald Trump, who also attributed the unrest to 'mass migration' and 'Islam', dismissing the protests’ stated concerns over school conditions.

In a post on social media, Vance criticised Western governments’ approach to immigration, diversity and assimilation. “Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn't listen,” Vance said.

“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn. And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” he added.

Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump had said, “What's happening in France is nothing less than out of control mass migration.” “This isn't about schools, this is about Islam wanting to take over a once great Country!” Trump added.

The protests, which began in late September, initially centred on deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages and education spending cuts before widening into demonstrations against rising living costs, inequality and pressure on public services.

Violence escalated on Saturday, with public buildings and businesses targeted in several cities. In Limoges, the historic town hall was partially destroyed in an arson attack, while Bordeaux Mayor Thomas Cazenave said up to 100 shops had been looted.

French interior minister Laurent Nuñez said 110 demonstrations had drawn around 5,50,000 people nationwide, including 1,10,000 in Paris. Organisers, including the CGT labour union and student organisations, estimated the turnout at approximately 8,00,000.

Nuñez blamed the violence on “extremely violent, radical far-left groups”, alleging that they targeted public buildings and sought confrontations with police.

French president Emmanuel Macron condemned the destruction in a post on X, saying, “No room for violence in our Republic. Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished.”

French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu also said the government would not be intimidated by violence, distinguishing peaceful demonstrations from arson, looting and attacks on property.