Trump: Close France's borders as riots spread nationwide

US President Donald Trump attacked France's open-border policy against the backdrop of widespread riots across the country, during which nearly 1,000 police officers were injured and some 2,400 people arrested. "Immigrants have taken over France," Trump wrote on his social network. "They must close the borders, and fast!"

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called earlier on local authorities to impose targeted curfews to restore order, but ruled out a blanket curfew in Paris.

"My determination to restore order is absolute," he declared, accusing far-left groups of attempting to stoke deep unrest ahead of the presidential elections. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon demanded he present evidence and stop inflaming tensions.

Rioters attack shops in France (Photo: social media)

The riots erupted after weeks of student protests over the cost of living, deteriorating public services and the economic situation. According to the French trade association, nearly 3,000 shops were damaged, and widespread looting and vandalism were recorded in Paris and Marseille.

Some 60,000 security personnel were deployed across France over the weekend. President Emmanuel Macron rejected the resignation offer of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, but acknowledged intelligence failures and shortcomings in the government's preparedness. Meanwhile, protests were banned in Marseille, trade unions declared a nationwide strike for November 5, and European countries warned their citizens against gathering in France.