As France and Italy grapple with violent unrest, leaders in Hungary and Poland are using the turmoil to bolster their tough stances on migration. With images of burning cars and buildings circulating across Europe, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Polish leaders are reinforcing their countries' strict border policies.
Magyar took to social media, asserting that the chaos in France underscores the necessity of Hungary's stringent immigration controls. He emphasized that Hungary will not relax its border protection or immigration policies under any pressure. Polish leaders echoed this sentiment, stating that Poland will not repeat the mistakes of other European nations and will continue to defend its borders against illegal migration.
Both leaders' comments come as the European Union faces ongoing debates over migration policies. Hungary and Poland have previously been sanctioned by the EU for their refusal to accommodate unchecked immigration. Poland faced penalties in 2025, while Hungary has been fined under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's leadership.
According to Eurostat, France had nearly 10 million foreign-born residents in 2025, while Italy had about 7 million. In contrast, Poland had around 1 million, and Hungary had fewer than 700,000, with most being from other EU countries and Ukraine.
Political scientist Daniel Schatz noted that the unrest in France and Italy is being used as political ammunition by leaders advocating for stricter immigration policies. He pointed out that images of chaos can have a more significant impact on public opinion than policy speeches.
Crime statistics from Eurostat reveal that France reported 304,900 police-recorded offenses in 2024, one of the highest in the EU. Italy reported 142,600, while Poland and Hungary had some of the lowest figures, with 57,300 and 28,600 offenses, respectively. The perception of crime in these countries varies, with France again among the highest at about 20%, Italy at 14-17%, Poland at 7-8%, and Hungary at 6-7%.
Migration Policies Under Scrutiny
In Central and Eastern Europe, the riots in France are often linked to immigration issues, according to Boštjan Udovič, Chair of International Relations at the University of Ljubljana. He explained that these countries associate their EU membership with national identity, making them less inclined to adopt a multiethnic society model.
Schatz added that Magyar and Polish leaders' messages to Brussels are clear: being pro-European does not equate to supporting liberal immigration policies. Magyar sees the French unrest as a validation of his migration stance, while Polish leaders warn against repeating the mistakes of other countries.
Magyar expressed solidarity with the French people, stating that it is the responsibility of European leaders to preserve the continent for future generations. He also mentioned that the recent European Council summit indicated a shift away from permissive migration policies.
Poland's next parliamentary election is scheduled for November 2027, and migration is expected to be a key issue. Mateusz Morawiecki, a potential opponent to current Polish leadership, has also emphasized the importance of maintaining strict immigration controls.
In Hungary, strict immigration policies continue to enjoy broad support. Á. Félix Debrenti, a former government official and current board member of the Hungarian Atlantic Council, stated that Magyar's firm stance on immigration helps divert attention from domestic challenges and aligns with national consensus.
As Hungary prepares to commemorate the 1956 Revolution, Magyar reiterated the distinction between lawful protest and criminal violence. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, vandalism and violence are serious crimes.
