French Students Turn an Alleged Police Remark Into a Protest Slogan

"Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres" has become the unofficial slogan of France's high school protests, Euronews reported on Oct. 19, 2026.

The protests in October 2026 were nationwide and centered on teacher shortages and crumbling schools. As of Oct. 13, they had lasted four weeks, with students demanding better school conditions, according to Reuters.

Policing of the marches drew scrutiny. Police fired tear gas during the protests that month. France suspended the use of stun grenades to police student protests, Reuters reported on Oct. 7.

The slogan itself is attributed to a police officer who allegedly attempted an infiltration, according to Le Monde. Bismillah means "au nom de Dieu". Humor and Gen-Z-specific references have helped unite high school and student protest marches, Le Monde reported.

In Paris, slogans at a student protest on education pointed to concerns over access to higher education, public funding, and students' ability to choose their studies.