JD Vance Links Immigration, Assimilation Issues To Violence In France

US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday blamed immigration for violence during protests in France, sharing a video on X that appeared to show the city hall in Limoges engulfed in flames.

“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.

“I pray that France, a beautiful country of amazing people, will stop this madness before more of its landmarks burn,” he added.

Vance also linked the unrest in France to the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3, suggesting that Americans should pay attention to the developments as Republicans face a challenging electoral contest.

“And I hope Americans are paying attention. This is the future congressional Democrats seek for your country,” he wrote.

The comments came as protests swept across France on Saturday, with police clashing with demonstrators during nationwide marches over soaring inflation. The demonstrations reportedly escalated into street violence, looting and fires.

Vance, 42, is a prominent figure in the Republican Party’s nationalist wing and a potential contender for the party’s presidential nomination in 2028. He has repeatedly criticised European immigration policies, arguing that they are too permissive.

In February 2025, Vance addressed the issue in a speech in Munich, where he criticised European leaders over immigration and their approach to free speech and democratic values.

His latest remarks underscore his continued criticism of Europe’s immigration policies and his efforts to connect developments overseas with domestic political debates in the United States.