French PM François Bayrou Faces Allegations of Ignoring Abuse at Bétharram School

Bayrou denies knowledge of decades-old sexual abuse claims despite evidence suggesting otherwise, prompting calls for his resignation.

François Bayrou, France's Prime Minister, is accused of being aware of sexual abuse allegations at a Béarn school his children attended in the 1990s.
The allegations involve over a hundred complaints of physical and sexual abuse at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram between the 1970s and 1990s, now under investigation by the Pau prosecutor's office.
Journalistic investigations, including by Mediapart, suggest Bayrou was informed of the abuse during his tenure as Minister of Education and later as a regional deputy, which he denies.
Bayrou has repeatedly stated he was never aware of any reports of abuse, labeling the claims as baseless and threatening legal action for defamation.
Left-wing opposition leaders have demanded his resignation, citing inconsistencies in his statements and newly revealed evidence contradicting his denials.