The newly elected Socialist Party Mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, is facing intense backlash from parents concerning a major scandal involving the sexual abuse of children in public after-school programs.

Grégoire, who recently secured victory against centre-right candidate Rachida Dati this month, previously served as deputy under former Mayor Anne Hidalgo. This connection means he was part of the administration overseeing the emergence of one of modern French history’s most significant scandals.

Escalating Allegations Rocking City Services

Suspensions and Disturbing Details Emerge

Reports indicate that at least 52 leaders of Paris city after-school programs have been suspended. These suspensions stem from allegations concerning the sexual abuse of children over the past three years.

The crisis intensified in October after three leaders at the Bullourde school were suspended on suspicion of “acts of sexual assault” against minors. Evidence included a three-year-old girl miming acts to investigators, which they deemed beyond the imagination of a child that age.

These incidents followed similar reports surfacing from a different school back in April of the same year. Allegations now cover abuse against children aged three to nine across three different Parisian schools.

Parents Demand Immediate Action and Accountability

A Unified Letter to the New Administration

On Sunday, parents representing 777 students from the 7th and 15th arrondissements delivered a formal letter to Mayor Grégoire. The families are demanding an independent audit into the sexual assaults within the capital’s after-school services.

Furthermore, the parents insisted that the new mayor must impose sanctions on specific city government officials for failures in safeguarding children, as reported by Franceinfo.

The parents stressed the need for a “clear commitment” from the new administration. They seek to establish and punish those responsible “at each level of the decision-making chain” within Town Hall.

Call for Criminal Punishment Over Transfers

A critical demand centers on ensuring that accused individuals face criminal punishment. The families explicitly stated that those accused of sexual violence against children in Parisian schools should not merely be transferred to other facilities, an outcome alleged in some prior cases.

Mayor Grégoire Vows Zero Tolerance and Reform

The Administration’s Initial Response

Mayor Grégoire responded on Monday, declaring that combating child sexual abuse will be the “absolute priority” of his incoming administration.

He asserted that no school staff members accused of abuse have been transferred. Instead, he confirmed that all implicated individuals have been suspended pending ongoing investigations.

Commitment to Audits and Procedural Review

Grégoire also indicated his interest in hiring an independent firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of the accusations. This firm would also help “monitor the correct application of procedures over time.”

The Mayor stated, “We have to start everything from the beginning. We need to turn the tables. We must identify those who are guilty. We must protect our children.” He pledged “zero tolerance” and a thorough review of “all recruitment procedures.”

Skepticism Lingers Due to Past Role

Despite these assurances, significant skepticism remains among the affected community. This doubt stems directly from Grégoire’s previous role as second in command in the administration that failed to protect the children initially.

One concerned voice summarized the sentiment: “When he won the election, he didn’t have a word for the children. I don’t believe for a single second that he handles the subject properly.”