François Bayrou, the Prime Minister of France, is under scrutiny following an investigation into numerous allegations of sexual assaults and violence linked to the Catholic institution Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.

The inquiry, initiated by the Pau public prosecutor's office, pertains to over 100 complaints filed concerning incidents that occurred between the 1970s and the 1990s.

The allegations include sexual violence, assault, and physical abuse, implicating 22 adults and one minor at the time, with 12 suspects still alive.

Among the plaintiffs are former students and parents who have accused the institution of "breach of trust and deception." A collective effort led by Jean-Marc Veyron, whose son was a victim of rapes between 1978 and 1982 by a deceased former director of the establishment, is reportedly in formation.

François Bayrou's connections to Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram have come under question due to several of his children having attended the school, which is known for its strict reputation.

During a recent session in the National Assembly, Bayrou asserted that he had "never heard" of the accusations of rape against the institution.

He recalled only that one of his daughters remembered a case involving a slap from a supervisor that had perforated another student's eardrum in April 1996.

Bayrou's wife, Elisabeth Bayrou, has also been linked to the institution as a former catechism teacher.

As a result of these connections, Bayrou has faced inquiries regarding the investigation stemming from the substantial number of complaints about alleged physical violence and sexual assaults that occurred during the decades in question.

In various interviews with media outlets such as Le Monde and La République des Pyrénées, Bayrou has consistently reiterated his lack of awareness regarding the allegations.

He specifically stated that he did not recall any instances of violence or sexual abuse, asserting, "I was never informed about any acts that led to complaints or reports."

Witness accounts present a contrasting narrative.

Françoise Gullung, a mathematics teacher at the institution from 1994 to 1996, reported having spoken directly to Bayrou, alerting him to a climate of violence at the school.

The father of the student victimized in the 1996 incident has stated that Bayrou was "absolutely aware" of the situation and failed to take any action.

Further allegations have emerged from the judge who examined the 1998 rape case, indicating that Bayrou visited him during the priest's detention, expressing concern due to one of his sons being enrolled at the school.

Discussions with victims indicate that the former director, who faced allegations and was subsequently imprisoned, had familial connections with the Bayrou family.

Critics from various political factions, such as La France Insoumise (LFI), have labeled the situation a "state scandal," demanding a formal inquiry and accusing Bayrou of dishonesty—a claim he has denied.

They argue that, as Minister of Education until May 1997 and later as president of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques General Council, Bayrou should have invoked Article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires reporting knowledge of criminal acts to the authorities.

Bayrou had previously defended the institution in 1996 at its reopening ceremony as Minister of Education, addressing public concerns regarding the allegations against it.

In recent days, Alain Esquerre, a spokesperson for the victims, revealed that he received a phone call from Bayrou, criticizing the prime minister for not reaching out sooner regarding the ongoing situation.

As of now, Matignon has not commented on this communication.