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Prime Minister Bayrou Commits to Publishing Inquiry Documents in Abuse Scandal

Bayrou denies allegations of negligence and interference in the Bétharram school abuse case, pledging to release documents to counter claims.

François Bayrou a promis mardi 20 mai 2025 de rendre publics tous les documents qu’il a produits devant la commission d’enquête sur les violences physiques et sexuelles faites aux enfants du scandale de Bétharram.
Le Premier ministre Francois Bayrou tient à la main une lettre de l'ancien directeur du collège-lycée Bétharram, le 20 mai 2025 à l'Assemblée nationale à Paris
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Overview

  • François Bayrou has promised to release all documents submitted to the parliamentary inquiry on child abuse within 48 hours to address allegations against him.
  • The accusations center on claims that Bayrou was aware of abuse at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram and interfered in a related judicial case, which he denies.
  • A letter from 1996, cited by Bayrou, indicates a supervisor accused of abuse was dismissed, but opponents claim the individual remained at the school into 1997–1998.
  • Bayrou has accused opposition parties, particularly France insoumise (LFI), of politicizing the inquiry and misrepresenting facts.
  • The scandal has reignited calls for systemic reforms in child protection and oversight of private schools in France.