François Bayrou vows to release all documents from the Assembly Inquiry Committee.

Prime Minister **François Bayrou** has recently addressed the growing controversy surrounding the **Betharram scandal**, which involves allegations of **physical** and **sexual violence** against children in several schools. During a session in the National Assembly on **May 14, 2025**, he pledged to release all documents related to his testimonies before the **commission of inquiry**. Bayrou’s goal is to demonstrate that the accusations against him are **”scandalously inaccurate.”**

In a move aimed at transparency, Bayrou assured that he would publish **relevant documents** within **forty-eight hours** which he believes will support his claims. He stated, *“For this controversy to be closed, I intend to put all the documents online…”* in response to mounting pressure from opposition members, particularly from **La France Insoumise (LFI)** party.

Bayrou’s comments came after **LFI member Sarah Legrain** questioned him regarding a letter from the collective of victims. This document suggests that a supervisor, previously convicted for violence against a student in **1996**, was still affiliated with the establishment in **1997-1998**, contradicting a previous statement from the director at that time.

The Prime Minister attempted to cite a letter dated **November 5, 1996**, wherein the then-director of **Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram** asserts that a supervisor had been dismissed due to their **”certain conception of discipline.”** The implications of this document have stirred considerable debate among lawmakers, especially in the context of ongoing inquiries into decision-making at the **Betharram** school.

Allegations and Responses

The controversy surrounding Bayrou is further complicated by allegations from left-leaning political factions. They accuse him of having prior knowledge of abusive actions reported in the past, suggesting he intervened in related judicial cases that involved a religious figure from the school accused of **rape**. These sensitive allegations have gained traction in public discourse, forcing Bayrou to defend his integrity vehemently.

Throughout the parliamentary session, Bayrou repeated his assertions that the **LFI** has politicized the inquiry process. He described their appropriations of the scandal as political **”instrumentalization”** aimed at damaging his reputation. Despite the heated atmosphere, Bayrou maintained that he has always acted in the best interest of the children and educational establishments involved.