Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday blamed Western liberals’ immigration and diversity policies for violent protests in France, urging the country to “stop this madness” as looters targeted luxury stores and public buildings amid widespread unrest.
In a post on X, Vance accused Western governments of ignoring questions of assimilation and compatibility while pursuing policies in the name of diversity and compassion.
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“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 wrote.
He urged France to rein in the violence, saying he hoped the country would act before more landmarks were damaged by fires.
“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he added.
Sharing footage of a city hall engulfed in flames, Vance linked the unrest in France to US politics, warning Americans that congressional Democrats sought a similar future for the United States.
“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” he wrote.
FRANCE PROTESTS SPIRAL INTO RIOTS
The protests, which began over concerns related to education, working conditions and public spending, escalated into widespread unrest across France. Around 550,000 people took part in demonstrations nationwide, including an estimated 110,000 in Paris.
More than 1,200 people were arrested as demonstrations turned violent, while Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said 150 police officers were injured in the clashes.
Public buildings were targeted in several cities. In Lyon, the city’s tourism centre was reportedly set ablaze, while municipal buildings in Marseille and Lille were allegedly broken into.
In Paris, masked protesters vandalised shops and restaurants, while burning barricades and clashes with riot police added to the disorder. Incidents of arson, vandalism and attacks on public property were also reported in Lyon, Marseille, Lille, Rouen, Nantes and Toulouse.
In Bordeaux, looters smashed storefronts and targeted high-end retailers, including Apple, Louis Vuitton and Herms. Videos shared on social media showed demonstrators breaking into luxury stores and carrying away merchandise.
French broadcaster reported that vandals inside Marseille’s municipal headquarters toppled a bust of Marianne, France’s national symbol, smashed television sets and spray-painted an anarchist symbol on a wall.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and vowed that those responsible for vandalism, attacks and looting would face legal consequences.
“Those who carried out vandalism, attacked administrative offices or businesses, or carried out looting — even in our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” Macron said.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
