Student Protesters in France Have a Strange New Slogan. What Does It Mean?

Thousands of student protesters in France have adopted a new, cryptic slogan: 'Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres'. This phrase, which roughly translates to 'In the name of God, it's darkness', has sparked confusion among observers. Politis, a French news outlet, has attempted to decipher its meaning, suggesting it may be a reference to the perceived darkness or despair felt by students in the face of the government's education policies. The slogan has gained widespread traction, with many protesters displaying it on signs and chanting it during demonstrations.

The New York Times notes that this slogan has become a rallying cry for the student movement, which has been pushing back against the government's plans to overhaul the education system. The slogan's emergence is part of a larger trend of creative and often irreverent protests in France. New Lines Magazine reports that students have also been using social media to expose alleged police infiltration and launch a new meme. The Local France provides a primer on French protest slogans and chants, offering context for the 'Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres' slogan.

Frenchly delves into the various meanings behind student protest signs, but does not specifically address this slogan. As the protests continue, it will be interesting to see how the 'Bismillah, c'est les ténèbres' slogan evolves and whether it becomes a lasting symbol of the student movement.