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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar linked the riots in France to immigration, saying the “shocking scenes” vindicated his government’s tough migration policies.
Anti-austerity protests turned violent in several French cities on Saturday, with looting reported in Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Several buildings were set on fire, including the historic town hall in Limoges.
“Seeing this senseless destruction and unjustified violence, perhaps it is now clear to everyone why Hungary takes the toughest possible stance on migration,” Magyar wrote on social media on Sunday, alongside a video showing buildings on fire.
“We will not relax our efforts to protect our external borders or change our immigration policy,” he added.
In his post, Magyar also said that the "overwhelming majority of European countries" want a tougher approach to migration and have "finally woken up".
“The Europe we all love is in serious trouble today. We also have a responsibility to help preserve our continent as the most wonderful place for our grandchildren," he said.
At a European summit held this week, a group of countries, including Denmark, Italy and Hungary, pushed for stronger language on migration in the conclusions.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against “the stigmatisation” of immigrants and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised their positive contribution.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also commented on Sunday, without explicitly referring to France. He said Poland would “neither repeat nor pay for” other countries’ mistakes, stressing that Warsaw would maintain its strict asylum policy.
“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,” Tusk wrote on X on Sunday.
“On security issues, we will be relentless. That is what I told the leaders of Europe in Brussels,” he added.
Magyar’s remarks drew criticism in Hungary. András Jámbor, a left-wing activist and Budapest councillor, accused the prime minister of exploiting footage of the French riots for political gain.
“It is deeply disturbing that the Hungarian Prime Minister chose not to address the people’s legitimate demands and the unjustified violence, but instead to label them migrants,” Jámbor said.
“Although some protesters have an immigrant background, as do some members of the wider population, this demonstration is about more than that,” he added.
Macron will deliver an address to the nation at 8pm Sunday.