Renaud Girard addresses the fallout from the “black day” of October 17th in France, an event broadcast globally. The recent unrest starkly revealed a critical failure of the French state—despite being a nation known for its strong control over its citizens—to guarantee basic public safety on its streets. This inability to provide security has sparked widespread concern and fuels a debate about the state’s fundamental role. Girard suggests this crisis provides an impetus for national renewal and re-evaluation of governmental priorities. The events highlight a disconnect between the state’s perceived power and its actual capacity to protect its populace. This failure necessitates a critical examination of the state's function and its relationship with French citizens.