Paris, April 14 – Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire is facing significant pressure as he convenes an extraordinary City Council meeting today, primarily focused on the ongoing scandal of repeated sexual violence in after-school programs. The new socialist mayor, who has made this issue an “absolute priority” for his early term, is presenting a 20 million euro action plan, announced in early April, aimed at restoring trust with families.
78 Agents Suspended, 31 for Sexual Abuse Allegations
Since the beginning of 2026, 78 agents have been suspended, with 31 of those suspensions related to suspicions of sexual violence in schools. These figures were disclosed by Emmanuel Grégoire, who acknowledged the “systemic” nature of these abuses and expressed his “regrets.” The mayor, whose campaign was impacted by the scandal, has promised “total transparency” to affected families, pledging to provide them with the full conclusions of administrative investigations.
Mayor’s Action Plan to Address the Crisis
Grégoire’s plan includes several key measures:
- Simplified Reporting Chain: Implementation of a directly accessible listening unit.
- Massive Investment in Training: Establishment of an “after-school school” to professionalize the animation sector, which is currently very precarious.
- Redesign of “Sensitive” Spaces: Reconfiguration of areas like restrooms to prevent adults from being alone with children.
- “Zero Tolerance” Policy: Automatic and immediate suspension upon any report of abuse.
These measures aim to strengthen the protection of children and rebuild confidence in the city’s after-school programs.
Union and Parents’ Associations Express Concerns
On the ground, the Supap-FSU union has voiced concerns about a “climate of generalized suspicion and arbitrariness” and an “explosion of suspensions” within a sector already facing “permanent understaffing.” The union has called for a strike and a rally in front of City Hall at the start of the Council meeting. FCPE Paris, a parents’ association, is organizing another rally later in the afternoon, demanding a “clear timetable” and “concrete transformations.”
Changes in Leadership and Calls for Independent Commission
In response to the crisis, Emmanuel Grégoire has terminated the functions of Dominique Versini, the city’s children’s advocate, whose appointment by former mayor Anne Hidalgo had been seen as a “provocation” by the opposition. Additionally, the director of school affairs (Dasco) for the City of Paris has resigned, following the mayor’s earlier statements about “managerial change at all levels.”
Grégoire, who served as deputy mayor for ten years, including three years in charge of human resources and six years as first deputy, has also committed to establishing an “independent commission” to conduct a “complete” assessment and provide recommendations.
Opposition Demands Accountability and Surveillance
Grégory Canal, co-president of the main opposition group with Rachida Dati, criticized Grégoire, stating he is “hiding behind an external service provider to shirk his responsibilities.” Canal’s group is calling for a cross-party information and evaluation mission (MIE) and proposes the installation of surveillance cameras inside all 620 schools, with an estimated cost “less than 10 million euros” after an experimental phase.
Florence Berthout, Horizons mayor of the 5th arrondissement and co-president of the “Paris Apaisé” group, denounced the city’s “denial” for years, which “went as far as lying, with total opacity regarding dysfunctions.” Maud Gatel, head of the MoDem group, added that “nothing has objectively happened” since the multiplication of complaints, calling it “intolerable.”
Broader Initiatives: Housing and PSG Stadium
Beyond the emergency measures, Grégoire will launch a “citizen’s convention on children’s time,” with conclusions due in June. He has stated that he has “no taboos” regarding the 4.5-day school week in force in Paris since 2013.
The new occupant of City Hall is also presenting measures against real estate speculation, including increasing the surcharge on unoccupied housing tax. He will establish a “housing protection brigade” to combat fraud, unhealthy housing, and enforce rent control. Grégoire has stated, “We will hit as hard as possible,” as he also outlines a plan to address homelessness.
Later in the day, the mayor, who personally favors a regulated sale of Parc des Princes to PSG, will seek a mandate to re-establish dialogue with the club to ensure it remains in the iconic stadium at Porte d’Auteuil (16th arrondissement).
Source: https://fr.news.yahoo.com/p%C3%A9riscolaire-premier-conseil-paris-pression-021158319.html
