French Prime Minister François Bayrou is under intense scrutiny as he testifies before a parliamentary committee investigating decades of sexual and physical abuse at the Notre-Dame de Betharram Catholic school in southwestern France. Bayrou, who was education minister from 1993 to 1997, is accused by opposition parties of having known about the abuse but failing to act. He denies any wrongdoing and calls the allegations a “campaign of destruction.”
The scandal has severely impacted Bayrou’s credibility and approval ratings, which have fallen below President Macron’s for the first time. Political analysts warn that while the scandal may not be enough to oust him directly, it could weaken his position and embolden opponents. Bayrou’s own daughter has spoken out about abuse at the school, although she claims he was unaware at the time.
The inquiry is not formally targeting Bayrou but is examining the state’s role in failing to prevent abuse. With over 200 legal complaints filed, the case has become a symbol of broader institutional failure. A report from the inquiry is expected in late June.
As Bayrou faces the committee, political observers say any dishonesty in his testimony could prove politically fatal.
