French Prime Minister François Bayrou maintained during a heated parliamentary session that he only became aware of the sexual abuse allegations at the Notre-Dame de Betharram school through press coverage. The 73-year-old leader, facing one of his toughest political trials since taking office five months ago, reiterated that he had no prior knowledge during his tenure as education minister from 1993 to 1997.

Bayrou emphasized that no official information had reached him beyond what was later revealed in the media. “I have nothing to conceal,” he declared, voicing his support for the ongoing probe, which he called a long-overdue reckoning for victims of childhood abuse.

Grilled by commission members Paul Vannier and Violette Spillebout, Bayrou clashed especially with Vannier, accusing him of stirring unnecessary controversy. Tensions were high, especially given Bayrou’s personal links to the institution—his children studied there and his wife taught religious education.

Though Bayrou continues to deny any misconduct, the scandal has begun to erode public confidence. Recent polls show his approval ratings falling below those of President Macron. Analysts caution that while this issue alone may not topple him, it could empower critics to seek his ousting on broader grounds.

Adding to the drama, Bayrou’s daughter recently alleged she was physically assaulted by clergy at the school when she was a teenager, though she insisted her father was unaware at the time.

The commission’s final report is expected in June after gathering testimonies from survivors, officials, and clergy.

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