Soulja Boy has shared his thoughts on the anti-government protests and riots that erupted across France over the weekend.
France is currently experiencing nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living and inadequate funding for public services, particularly in Paris. On Saturday (Oct. 18), what began as peaceful protests reportedly escalated into violence and looting, with masked vandals appearing in the streets.
“What’s happening in France is a wake-up call to the entire world,” Soulja Boy tweeted on Oct. 18. “The cost of living keeps rising while everyday people struggle to survive. People are tired of working hard just to barely get by. Governments need to start listening to the people before frustration turns into chaos.”
According to Reuters, more than 3,000 shops were set ablaze, while 2,400 people were arrested nationwide. France’s interior ministry also reported that approximately 1,000 police officers were injured during clashes with vandals and activists, with seven sustaining serious injuries, the BBC reported.
Last month, students in Paris began protesting against poor educational standards, pointing to deteriorating school buildings and a shortage of teachers. Several other French cities later joined the demonstrations over conditions in the education system. The BBC reported that on Oct. 5, a 14-year-old boy allegedly suffered severe facial injuries and lost his hand after riot police used a tear gas grenade to disperse a crowd and the teenager picked it up. The demonstrations have continued to grow in scope in the weeks since.
The 36-year-old rapper’s comments on the protests come shortly after he began promoting what could be a potential presidential campaign in 2028. On Oct. 11, he shared a photo of himself standing in front of the American flag while announcing his ambitions.
“SOULJA BOY 2028,” he wrote. “A new chapter. A bigger vision. A commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation. My focus is on four things: economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, education, and the future of technology and AI.”
He also pointed to his years of experience in business as a foundation for creating new opportunities.
“From music to business to technology, I’ve always believed in thinking bigger and challenging what’s possible,” he added. “Now I’m exploring what it means to bring that same vision to public service. The future starts with a conversation.”
Although Soulja Boy might not be the first person many would expect to pursue the presidency, he has established himself as an innovator in both music and business, consistently pushing boundaries and challenging conventional limits across different industries.
After XXL published the news of his potential presidential bid, the rapper offered additional thoughts in the comments.
“From Crank That to the White House?” he shared. “They said I couldn’t change the music industry. I did. They said I couldn’t become a businessman. I did. Now it’s time to think BIGGER. This is about the next generation, creating opportunities, supporting our communities, and proving that ANYTHING is possible when you believe in yourself.
“Thank you @xxl for the coverage! SOULJA BOY 2028 The real question is… Y’ALL READY FOR PRESIDENT DRACO?!.”
Soulja Boy isn’t the first rapper to express interest in becoming president. Ye also launched a presidential campaign in 2020.
