One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has warned that Australia could face riots similar to those unfolding in Europe unless immigration is reduced and migrants who reject Australian democratic values are prevented from entering the country.
Her comments come as violent protests in France have led to mass arrests, clashes with police, looting and fires, amid demonstrations over the cost of living, public services and student grievances.
“Australia cannot afford to repeat the mistake of mass migration which is tearing apart Europe,” Hanson said.
“Countries like France, Germany, Belgium and the U.K. are all suffering because of mass migration. Unless Australia stops importing people who reject our democracy, our way of life and the values of Western civilisation, these riots will eventually be coming to Australian cities.”
France experienced widespread unrest on Saturday, 17 October, with authorities reporting hundreds of thousands of people taking part in demonstrations across the country.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez estimated that around 550,000 people participated, while the CGT union put the figure at 800,000.
Although many demonstrations were peaceful, violent groups clashed with police, looted shops and set fire to vehicles and buildings. At least 1,200 people were reportedly arrested.
In Paris, police used tear gas as protesters threw stones and other objects at officers. More than 150 police officers were injured, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
Historic buildings were also damaged by fires. In Limoges, a blaze destroyed much of a 143-year-old town hall, while Lyon’s tourism office, a 174-year-old building, was also set alight.
Local prefect Maurice Barate described the fire at the Limoges town hall as a “catastrophe for heritage”, blaming what he called a deliberate act by hooligans.
The protests began last month around high schools in working-class areas of northern Paris, where concerns about teacher shortages and deteriorating facilities developed into a broader movement over inequality, public spending and living standards.
Demonstrators have also raised concerns about high fuel prices, the cost of living and police conduct.
A 19-year-old protester in Paris said people were demonstrating because of rising living costs and inadequate school resources.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence and vowed to prosecute those responsible for attacks on people and public institutions.
“We will all stand united against the sowers of chaos, who only seek to undermine our institutions and prevent those who peacefully express their demands from doing so.”
Condemning the violence, he vowed to prosecute those responsible for attacks on public buildings and businesses. He expressed support for police and defended the right to peaceful protest, saying: “No room for violence in our Republic.”
Macron added that France would stand united against those seeking to undermine its institutions and disrupt peaceful demonstrations.
Violent incidents were also reported in Italy’s Milan and Bologna.
In Milan, masked protesters threw stones and other objects at police, set fire to barricades and damaged a police vehicle. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. She praised those who protested peacefully but condemned violence and vandalism during demonstrations across Italy, including clashes with police in Milan, arrests in Turin and disruption in Bologna. She called on opposition parties to unequivocally condemn the violence, saying:
“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”
In Belgium, several hundred mostly young people protested in Brussels, with some clashes reported between demonstrators and police. Student groups have raised concerns about education costs and reforms.
Meanwhile, protests in Portugal have focused on housing affordability and rising living costs, while student demonstrations continued in Albania.
Hanson has pointed to the unrest as a warning for Australia, arguing that immigration policy must prioritise people who accept the country’s democratic institutions and values.
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