Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has defended Hungary’s strict migration policy, citing the “senseless destruction and unjustified violence” witnessed on the streets of French cities amid riots orchestrated by left-wing Islamist networks.
In a post on X on October 18, Magyar described images of vandalism, attacks on police and damage to historic buildings across France as “shocking”, arguing that the unrest demonstrated why Hungary would not relax its border protection or immigration rules under external pressure.
The French riots on October 17 escalated as groups of left-Islamist protesters vandalised public buildings, looted shops and clashed with police. At least 2,000 people were arrested in connection with the unrest, while more than 600 police officers and other public employees were injured.
The violence, unfolding amid tensions over economic hardship and public services, has intensified the debate over France’s left-wing and Islamist-linked protest movements and the consequences of permissive migration policies in Europe.
“In the face of this senseless destruction and unjustified violence, perhaps it is now clear to everyone why Hungary advocates the strictest possible approach to migration, and why we will not weaken our border protection or immigration policy under any pressure,” Magyar wrote.
‘Permissive Policies of the Past’ under fire
The Hungarian Prime Minister also welcomed the outcome of the European Union summit held in Brussels on October 15-16, saying it demonstrated that most European countries were reconsidering their approach to migration.
Shocking videos and images are coming out of France. Historic buildings have been destroyed, hundreds of police officers have been injured, and enormous material damage has been caused amid the escalating vandalism and violence of recent days.
In the face of this senseless… pic.twitter.com/Pqwpa5v8yl
— Magyar Péter (Ne féljetek) (@magyarpeterMP) October 18, 2026
Magyar said he was “glad” that the summit had made clear that “the overwhelming majority of European countries have woken up and want to break with the permissive policies of the past.”
“The Europe we all love is in serious trouble today. It is our responsibility, too, to help preserve our continent as the most wonderful place in the world for our children and grandchildren,” he added.
Magyar replaced longtime leader Viktor Orban following a landslide election victory in April 2026, has pledged to maintain Hungary’s tough approach to migration. His commitments include strict border controls and the swift removal of people living in the country illegally, signalling continuity with his predecessor’s restrictive immigration policies.
Migration remained a major point of contention at the Brussels summit, with European governments divided over tighter border controls, illegal migration and responsibility for asylum seekers. Poland, Italy and Denmark led a coalition advocating stricter measures, facing opposition from countries including Spain.
Poland vows uncompromising approach to security
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also responded to the left-Islamist unrest in France on October 18, declaring that Poland would not repeat the mistakes made by other European countries or bear the consequences of their decisions.
“We are firmly defending our borders against illegal migration, we have our own asylum policy (we do not accept asylum applications), and we deport those who break Polish law. We will take an uncompromising approach to security,” Tusk wrote on X.
Poland, alongside Italy and Denmark, has pushed for a tougher European migration framework, while disagreements persist over how the bloc should secure its external borders and handle asylum seekers and illegal Muslim migrants.
