‘Islam wanting to take over’:Trump links France school protests to mass migration

US President Donald Trump has reacted to growing student protests in France, claiming the demonstrations reflect “mass migration” and saying they are about “Islam wanting to take over” the country. “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 said in a post on Truth Social. Students protest over school conditions, teacher shortages The protests began in late September, with students blocking entrances to hundreds of high schools for 15- to 17-year-olds over complaints about dilapidated facilities and teacher shortages. Most schools reopened on Wednesday, but more than 500 remained at least partially closed as students blocked doors with mounds of rubbish bins. Parents, teachers and union workers joined the demonstrations in Paris and other cities during a national day of mobilisation on Tuesday. 488 arrested, 43 security personnel injured At least 488 people were arrested and 43 members of the security forces were injured during Tuesday’s protests, which saw around 2.5 lakh people take part across France, the interior ministry said. Most demonstrations were peaceful, but there were sporadic clashes across the country, with protesters throwing projectiles and security forces using tear gas, AFP correspondents reported. Government proposes school dialogue French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that half a day of class time would be set aside in schools on Wednesday for “internal democratic” dialogue, allowing students and staff to raise their concerns. However, student union leader Ryad Rani told local media that the move was “yet another attempt to muzzle the debate” and gain time. Nicolas Bonnet, a union representative for school principals, told broadcaster franceinfo that ending the crisis would require more than simple consultation periods. Over 6,500 arrested since protests began Lecornu on Tuesday condemned the violence and told lawmakers it would not be tolerated, while rejecting accusations that the government had ordered “police repression” against protesters. More than 6,500 people, mostly minors, have been arrested since the movement began. The government said at least 215 students and 715 police officers have been injured since the start of the protests. The prime minister’s office also said 85 teaching staff have been injured. ​