‘Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres’: What does the French protests slogan mean?

As of October 21, 2026, France has seen widespread protests and violent riots over poor school conditions and high living costs. Over the past weeks, more than 160,000 students have joined marches across the country, with protests escalating to include trade unions and remnants of the Yellow Vest movement. The demonstrations, starting from complaints about teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms in Paris' northern suburbs, have evolved into broader concerns over economic inequality and declining public services.

The protests have drawn sharp criticism for their methods, including clashes with police forces using non-lethal weapons like tear gas and water cannons. These confrontations led to hundreds of injuries and 8,000 arrests, many involving minors under 18 years old. The situation has polarized the country and raised concerns about civil liberties.

Protest organizers plan another large demonstration on October 21 with expected turnout numbers around 200,000, mostly in Paris where restrictions are being imposed to prevent further unrest near key locations like the Elysée Palace and Champs-Elysée avenue. The Interior Ministry has deployed additional security forces including soldiers from Sentinelle for crowd control.

One notable incident involved a British woman whose family business was severely damaged by rioters in Paris. This highlights the broader economic impact of the protests on local businesses and residents. Additionally, slogans like "Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres" (In the name of God, it’s the darkness) have become symbols of student frustration while also raising suspicions about potential police infiltration in protest groups. Despite efforts to address social tensions through government talks, unions vow to continue their actions with a general strike planned for November 5. Similar protests are breaking out across Europe amid rising revolutionary sentiments over cost-of-living issues.