On October 17, a shockwave among the prefects too: "It's the darkness" they said... Indeed, we are there.

The slogan "Bismillah, c’est les ténèbres" has become a symbol of rising tensions in the social movement, particularly highlighted by recent unrest in Seine-Saint-Denis. Prefect Julien Charles acknowledged the chaotic situation following violent incidents on October 17, including vandalism and public disorder. His comments reflect the concern within the government regarding the impact of these events on public safety and the functioning of high-level officials. The imagery of the toppled Marianne statue in Marseille has resonated widely, illustrating the severity of the unrest.