Anne Hidalgo testifies to Senate on Paris school sexual abuse scandal

Former Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo testified before a Senate commission of inquiry regarding a systemic scandal involving sexual and sexist violence within the city’s extracurricular school programs. Hidalgo described the situation as a “collective failure” of institutions, including the Paris City Council, national education, police, and the justice system, in protecting children.

While acknowledging that information chains within the City Council failed to function correctly, Hidalgo maintained she was deeply involved in implementing processes to tighten safety networks during her tenure. However, she faces significant legal scrutiny. Multiple criminal complaints have been filed against her, current Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, and other officials for charges including failure to assist persons in danger and deliberate endangerment of others.

The scandal has gained momentum following reports that 132 animators were suspended in early 2026, with 52 specifically linked to suspicions of sexual or sexist violence. A collective of families, #MeTooEcole, is pushing for political accountability, alleging that the city allowed a flawed system to persist despite warnings from an internal inspection report as early as 2015. Currently, over 200 criminal investigations are underway targeting staff in Paris primary schools and nurseries.