Macron criticizes Trump after comments about unrest in France

Macron after Trump's statements "Stupid comments from foreign leaders" As of: October 21, 2026 • 7:48 p.m

US President Trump also spoke out about the unrest in France - French President Macron has apparently had enough of it. He vented his anger during a visit to Qatar.

At a press conference in Doha on the Persian Gulf, Emmanuel Macron was asked about the situation in France and asked whether there had been foreign interference. Macron responded that at this point he had no evidence that foreign forces were responsible for the unrest.

But the French president still had a message to send: "But there was subsequent foreign manipulation of the information," he said. "There were comments that were as unacceptable as they were stupid, including from foreign leaders." It was claimed that there had been an invasion of France by "hordes of migrants and Islamists". That is completely wrong.

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The French journalists in Qatar immediately asked whether he was also referring to US President Donald Trump. Among other things, Macron answered aggressively that Trump was one of them - and continued to criticize the American government and similar critics. Such people would not love France. "And when I see political leaders who are campaigning, in Europe but also on the other side of the Atlantic, who accept AI-generated information as credible, then they are campaigning on our backs." France already has enough problems and can't use this.

The French President also once again spoke out in favor of a tough course against any form of violence in French cities. "Curfews have been imposed in several cities. These are being respected. Gatherings are prohibited. And anyone who wants to cause unrest in the city centers next Saturday will be prevented from doing so."

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Macron is under strong pressure from the French government. There are new calls for protests from yellow vest organizations and unions for Saturday. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the police presence would be massive. Soldiers from the anti-terror operation Sentinelle are also supposed to guard sensitive locations.

Meanwhile, France's financial situation is getting worse. The yield on ten-year French government bonds climbed above the five percent mark, reaching its highest level in 22 years. This means that it is becoming increasingly expensive for France to borrow money. The heavily indebted country already has to spend a significant part of its budget on the high national debt.

The violent protests in France are apparently increasing doubts among donors that the French government will be able to get the high national debt under control. There are presidential elections in France in six months. The right-wing nationalist Marine Le Pen is far ahead in the polls.

This topic in the program: tagesschau.de | France: Macron deals against Trump, bond interest rates rise | Oct 21, 2026 | 6:24 p.m