Student Protesters in France Adopt a Strange Slogan About Darkness
Signs reading "Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres" have appeared at recent student demonstrations in France. The phrase literally means "In the name of God, it's the darkness," and is seen as shorthand for a generational divide.
Student protesters in France have adopted an unusual slogan, "Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres," which has appeared on signs at recent demonstrations, The New York Times reported on 20 October 2026. The phrase combines the Arabic word "bismillah" with a French expression and translates as "In the name of God, it's the darkness."
What the slogan means
Taken literally, the phrase does not make much sense, and that is part of why it stands out. According to the report, it is understood as shorthand for a generational divide, meaning the gap between younger and older people's outlooks.
What the report does not say
The available material does not describe in detail what triggered the protests, how many people are taking part, or in which cities they have taken place. For that reason, nothing can be said here about the origin or political direction of the slogan. All that is known is that it has shown up on demonstrators' signs and that it is regarded as a symbol of tension between generations in France.
