Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has linked the recent surge of violent protests in France to immigration, asserting that the unrest serves as a justification for his government’s strict migration policies. Following reports of looting and arson in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille—and the destruction of the historic town hall in Limoges—Magyar took to social media on Sunday to defend his administration's approach.
"Seeing this senseless destruction and unjustified violence, perhaps it is now clear to everyone why Hungary takes the toughest possible stance on migration," Magyar stated. He accompanied his remarks with a video depicting burning buildings, adding that his government would not waver in its efforts to secure external borders or alter its current immigration policies. According to the Prime Minister, an "overwhelming majority of European countries" have "finally woken up" and now favor a more rigorous approach to migration. He framed the issue as a matter of continental preservation, stating that Europe is in "serious trouble" and that leaders have a duty to keep it a "wonderful place for our grandchildren."
This position aligns with recent discussions at a European summit, where a coalition including Hungary, Italy, and Denmark advocated for more forceful language regarding migration. However, the stance has met with opposition. French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned against the "stigmatisation" of immigrants, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has emphasized their positive contributions to society.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also addressed the situation on Sunday. While he did not explicitly name France, he stated that Poland would "neither repeat nor pay for" the errors of other nations. Tusk reiterated that Warsaw maintains a strict asylum policy, noting, "We are firmly defending the border against illegal migration; we have our own asylum policy (we do not accept applications); we deport those who break Polish law." He added that Poland would remain "relentless" on security issues, a sentiment he conveyed to European leaders in Brussels.
Within Hungary, Magyar’s comments faced backlash. Left-wing activist and Budapest councillor András Jámbor accused the Prime Minister of using the French riots for political gain. Jámbor criticized the focus on labeling protesters as migrants, arguing that it ignored legitimate public grievances and that the demonstrations were broader than just an immigrant issue. President Macron is scheduled to address the French nation at 8pm on Sunday.
