Pau, France – François Bayrou, the former Minister of Education and current Prime Minister, finds himself embroiled once again in the Bétharram scandal. On Monday, attorney Jean-François Blanco called upon the public prosecutor in Pau to investigate allegations of “judicial interference.” These allegations are linked to a case of abuse that reportedly occurred in 1998 at a Catholic college-high school in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region.
Blanco, who also serves as an opposition member in Pau, described the allegations as severe and justified the demand for an investigation. He referred to a mention in the TV program “Sept à Huit,” where an investigative official suggested possible interference by Bayrou. The official claimed that, at the time, a judge informed them that the Prosecutor General had requested the case file, following contact from Mr. Bayrou.
Investigations are ongoing into incidents of violence, sexual assault, and abuse at the school between 1970 and 1990, with over a hundred victims identified. This scandal poses challenges for Bayrou, as his children attended the institution and his wife taught catechism there.
Bayrou has denied any involvement in the affair, asserting that he never intervened in the matter. Both the victim’s attorney and a former judge have corroborated his claim. In response to the allegations, the Ministry of Education has instructed the Bordeaux rectory to conduct an inquiry into the institution, with findings expected by the second week of March. This investigation aims to assess the school’s current operational standards.
The situation has stirred political circles in France, casting a shadow over Bayrou’s reputation. The demand for an investigation is gaining momentum, with public pressure mounting. Bayrou will need to clarify his position in court in response to these allegations.
