Bayrou DEFIES Parliament – Abuse Cover-Up Denied!

Daily Report May 16,2025

The political storm swirling around François Bayrou reached fever pitch as the French Prime Minister faced Parliament, staunchly denying accusations of covering up child abuse at a school mired in scandal since the 1990s.

At a Glance

Bayrou denied knowledge of abuse during his tenure as education minister.
The inquiry focuses on Notre-Dame de Bétharram school, involving 200 complaints.
Bayrou’s credibility and approval ratings are faltering.
President Macron maintains support for Bayrou amid the controversy.

Bayrou Under Fire in Parliamentary Hearing

In a tense parliamentary session, François Bayrou faced allegations of mismanaging child abuse reports from a Catholic school. Bayrou, vehemently asserting his innocence, claimed, “I didn’t lie, I never hid anything.” Prosecutors and the opposition remain unconvinced, highlighting inconsistencies in his testimony.

The inquiry focuses on Notre-Dame de Bétharram school, south of France, where former students filed 200 complaints against clergy and staff. Accusations span physical and sexual abuse over decades, questioning the integrity of past leadership. Bayrou blamed ignorance, stating he learned about the abuse from media years later.

Impact on Political Career

Bayrou’s credibility is in jeopardy, amplified by a decline in approval ratings trailing below that of President Macron. Bayrou ordered an inspection of the school after an assault conviction in 1996, yet claimed no prior knowledge of ongoing atrocities. Opponents argue these contradictions cast doubt on his leadership. Macron, however, continues to publicly support Bayrou, stating, “We have talked about it a lot and I know that I have confidence in him.”

Despite repeated denials of cover-up accusations, Bayrou faces scrutiny, exacerbated by a volatile political climate. With the inquiry’s findings imminent, Bayrou’s future hangs in balance. Political commentators speculate that the scandal’s nature could embolden his adversaries, despite not forcing his immediate resignation.

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Government Transparency and Accountability

Allegations suggest violence inflicted upon children at the school, including extreme punishment and dereliction of care. Bayrou stated under oath he wasn’t informed of such practices, challenging the inquiry’s pursuit of accountability. Eighteen years of testimony cloud the judicial process, complicating effective governmental monitoring. Detractors see this as systemic failure, spotlighting deficiencies in state oversight procedures, with anticipated reevaluations of policy unfolding.

“The only information I had was what was covered in the press.” – François Bayrou.

As legal proceedings press on, Bayrou’s integrity faces trial in both judiciary and public eyes. The unfolding inquiry will gauge whether leadership failed its citizens and how officials will guard against such egregious breaches of trust in future governance. Meanwhile, Bayrou’s positioning within the administration remains a nerve-wracking political dance, navigating allegations that challenge his lifetime of public service.