Overview

• François Bayrou testified under oath on May 14, denying any privileged knowledge of physical or sexual violence at Notre-Dame de Bétharram beyond media reports from the 1990s.
• The Prime Minister dismissed accusations of intervening in judicial proceedings and defended a 1996 inspection report that ruled out systemic abuse, despite its later criticism for superficiality.
• Bayrou accused the media and political opponents, particularly LFI deputy Paul Vannier, of bias and manipulation, calling the allegations against him a political attack.
• Victims' representatives described the hearing as a significant step but emphasized the need for systemic reforms, including stronger legal frameworks and victim-centered support structures.
• Bayrou proposed the creation of an independent authority to oversee child protection across schools, sports, and cultural institutions, citing similar initiatives in other countries as models.