Trump's controversial remark on France unrest as Paris readies for possible state of emergency

US President Donald Trump has blamed President Emmanuel Macron's immigration policy for the unrest in France, claiming Paris will soon become a "Muslim city."

Speaking outside the White House on Monday, he said he had suggested Macron tighten borders around eight years ago and warned that Europe would face serious consequences if it did not strengthen border controls. According to the Pew Research Center, Muslims make up about 9 percent of France's population.

Protests that began over the rising cost of living turned violent over the weekend, prompting Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to order partial curfews in cities including Paris, Lille, Nice, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lyon. He said the government was prepared to declare a state of emergency if necessary.

About 500,000 people took to the streets nationwide last Saturday. The protests saw arson at municipal offices and looting at hundreds of shops. Police have detained more than 2,400 people.

The prime minister called an emergency meeting with ministers after Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said police had lost control of the situation. Protesters blocked the entrance to the Louvre museum on Monday. The "Yellow Vest" movement has announced it will protest again next Saturday.