Bétharram Case: Élisabeth Borne Regrets the State’s Inaction and Announces Stricter Controls

Speaking on BFMTV-RMC this Friday, February 21, Minister of National Education Élisabeth Borne acknowledged that “the State failed to act” in response to the physical and sexual violence that took place for decades at the Catholic school Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. She questioned why authorities had not intervened earlier and emphasized the need to strengthen oversight and reporting mechanisms.

Towards Stricter Oversight of Private Schools Under Contract

In this context, the minister announced that 40% of private schools under contract will be inspected over the next two years. While these inspections are usually scheduled in advance, she suggested introducing unannounced visits for greater effectiveness. “It is essential to foster a culture of reporting, both among staff and students, so that abnormal situations are identified and brought to the attention of the justice system,” she added.

The case has also put pressure on Prime Minister François Bayrou, whose children attended the school and who served as Minister of Education when the first reports emerged in the 1990s. His wife, Elisabeth Bayrou, also taught catechism there.

Élisabeth Borne clarified that these measures were not specifically targeting Catholic education but stressed the importance of enforcing strict rules in all institutions, both public and private, to protect students.