François Bayrou Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Bétharram Abuse Allegations

The French Prime Minister denies prior knowledge of sexual abuse at a Catholic school tied to over 100 complaints, as victims demand accountability and reforms.

François Bayrou, accused of concealing knowledge of abuse at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram during his tenure as Education Minister, denies all allegations of prior awareness.
The investigation by the Pau prosecutor involves over 112 complaints of physical and sexual abuse spanning decades at the Catholic institution.
Victims' representatives met with Bayrou to demand systemic reforms, including mandatory abuse reporting, psychological support, and a national fund for victims of private school abuse.
Opposition parties, particularly La France Insoumise, are pressing for a parliamentary inquiry and accusing Bayrou of political dishonesty, with some calling for his resignation.
The Education Ministry has ordered an inspection of the school as new evidence emerges, while Bayrou's ties to the institution, where his children studied and his wife taught, remain under scrutiny.