# Why France Can't Claim Greatness

> France's riots reveal a crisis of identity and governance.
- Title: Why France Can't Claim Greatness · New York Post | Shortify
- Summary: France's riots reveal a crisis of identity and governance. France's riots show its inability to sustain national greatness due to economic strain…
- Keywords: france, riots, de gaulle, immigration, emmanuel macron, marine le pen, palestine, settlement, news, entertainment, Can't, Claim
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/opinion/why-greatness-will-never-be-part-of-frances-future
- Published: 2026-10-20T00:24:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: france, riots, de gaulle, immigration, emmanuel macron, marine le pen, palestine, settlement, news, entertainment
## Paris Riots Begin
Protesters clash with police near Place de la Republique as fires burn and barricades are set up during a protest in Paris, France, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
## De Gaulle's Warning
In 1959, de Gaulle warned that France could not absorb 10 million Muslims who would become 20 million and then 40 million.

> The Arabs are Arabs, the French are French. Do you think that the French can absorb 10 million Muslims who will tomorrow be 20 million and after tomorrow 40?
## Riots Spread
Riots targeting public buildings and symbols of France have morphed into a red-green campaign of mayhem.
## Palestine Slogan
Palestinian flags and the slogan 'Free Palestine' are ubiquitous in the riots.

> Free Palestine
## Immigration Crisis
France has done a poor job of assimilating immigrants and their children, a large portion of whom are Muslims from North Africa.
## Political Tensions
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of an ascendant left-wing party, has participated in protests and condemned police for their tactics.
## Key takeaway

France's riots show its inability to sustain national greatness due to economic strain, immigration challenges, and political instability.