Paris – In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, former mayor Anne Hidalgo warned that a “collective failure” by municipal institutions opened the door to a wave of child abuse in state‑run nurseries and primary schools spanning more than a decade. Hidalgo, who led the city from 2014 to 2020, said the number of victims is “unacceptable” and expressed empathy for families who feel abandoned by the system.
Timeline of allegations
The first public allegations emerged in 2014. A year later, the Paris General Inspectorate – an inter‑departmental supervisory body – issued a report flagging the risk that city employees could commit offences against minors. Despite the warning, the report notes a four‑year pause in systematic reporting of complaints, and only partial implementation of the Inspectorate’s recommendations.
Legal actions and investigations
Police have examined more than 200 reports of mistreatment, violence and sexual abuse occurring during lunch breaks, rest periods and after‑school activities. Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on France Inter radio that investigations have been opened into both Hidalgo and the current mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, for alleged failures to protect children in danger.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Paris court sentenced a former after‑school activity supervisor to five years in prison, with four years suspended, after he admitted to sexually assaulting nine girls aged six to ten at an elementary school.
Reactions from parents and officials
Senator Agnès Evren, who chaired the Senate hearing, highlighted the shortcomings identified by the Inspectorate, including the reporting pause and incomplete follow‑up on recommendations. Parents’ collective SOS Periscolaire criticized Hidalgo’s testimony, saying it “always points to the failures and responsibilities of others, but never her own.”
Another parents’ group, #MeTooÉcole, echoed the concern that children should be safe once dropped off at school, especially in a public service setting.
What comes next?
The Senate hearing underscores growing pressure on Paris officials to overhaul child‑protection protocols, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure full compliance with the Inspectorate’s recommendations. While the court’s sentencing sends a clear message that abuse will be prosecuted, advocates argue that systemic reforms are needed to prevent future incidents.
City Hall has not yet released a detailed action plan, but the heightened scrutiny suggests that Paris may soon adopt stricter oversight of school staff and more transparent reporting procedures to restore public confidence.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
