French Prime Minister François Bayrou is facing growing calls to resign following allegations that he misled parliament about widespread violence and sexual abuse at a Catholic school where his wife once taught. According to The Times UK, Bayrou, who served as education minister from 1993 to 1997, has denied any prior knowledge of abuse at Notre-Dame de Bétharram, a private school in the Pyrenees, despite emerging evidence suggesting otherwise.
The scandal, which has rocked France’s political landscape, centers on reports of physical and sexual violence spanning five decades, with prosecutors investigating 72 lawsuits filed by former pupils. Twelve individuals claim they were raped or sexually assaulted, while others suffered physical abuse. Witnesses, including former teachers and a retired judge, have contradicted Bayrou’s claims of ignorance, alleging that he was informed of the abuse but failed to act.
Left-wing opposition parties have intensified their demands for Bayrou, 73, to step down, arguing that his position is untenable. Despite surviving recent confidence votes, his leadership remains on shaky ground as his minority government struggles to maintain authority.
The controversy has further destabilized French politics at a time of heightened uncertainty following last year’s snap parliamentary elections, which resulted in a deadlock in the National Assembly. With pressure mounting and fresh revelations surfacing, Bayrou’s future as prime minister hangs in the balance.
