The members of the Cultural Affairs and Education Commission of the National Assembly voted this Wednesday, February 19, unanimously to build up in the commission of inquiry into the “state control” of violence in schools , an approach started in the wake of the Betharram affair.
Several steps still remain before the creation of this commission of inquiry is officially noted, but it could start its work within two weeks, according to the president of the commission, Fatiha Keloua Hachi (PS). The title retained relates to “the terms of control by the State and the prevention of violence in educational establishments”, including in public establishments.
The deputy LFI Paul Vannier, at the origin of this initiative, expressed his “very great satisfaction” and estimated that it was a “victory for the victims”. “The case of Betharram is entering the perimeter of this commission of inquiry,” he added before journalists, wishing that Alain Esquerre, the spokesperson for a hundred complainants denouncing Violence, rapes and sexual assaults suffered for several decades in this establishment in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the first to be auditioned. The melenchonist also considered that the subject of the commission was “perfectly separate” of the current legal proceedings “against the establishment, while a parliamentary commission of inquiry cannot relate to” facts that have given rise to legal proceedings “.
François Bayrou auditioned?
The rebellious deputy had repeatedly challenged the Prime Minister, accusing François Bayrou of intervening in the investigation at the end of 1997 concerning Father Carricart, former director of the institution, and of having lied to national representation, this that he rejects entirely.
The question of hearing the head of government was not debated on Wednesday in the committee. Fatiha Keloua Hachi admitted that it was a possibility, but told AFP not to wish such a hearing, “for the moment anyway”. “To rush to a minister would be completely political a subject that is still a serious subject,” she said. “There are many others, business in private establishments,” she added.
The request for the creation of this new commission of inquiry will be made to the president of the Assembly, who will seize the Keeper of the Seals. A group president, one of the permanent commissions, or the government can then oppose it.