François Bayrou Rejects Allegations of Ignoring Abuse at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram

The Prime Minister denies claims by a former teacher that he and his wife were aware of abuse at a Catholic school where investigations continue into decades of alleged violence.

• Françoise Gullung, a former teacher at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram, alleges that she informed François and Élisabeth Bayrou of abuse during the mid-1990s, but claims they failed to act.
• The Prime Minister has strongly denied these allegations, describing them as part of a 'mechanic of scandal' aimed at damaging him politically.
• Gullung recounts witnessing violent incidents at the school, including hearing an adult striking a child, which she claims Élisabeth Bayrou dismissed.
• Investigations into the school have been ongoing for a year, with over 100 former students alleging physical and sexual abuse spanning from 1957 to 2004.
• Three former staff members, including a nonagenarian ex-priest, have been questioned by authorities, with charges including aggravated rape and violence being considered.

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