Paris Launches Major Inquiry into Childcare Abuse Allegations

(MENAFN) According to reports, authorities in Paris have opened a broad investigation into the city’s childcare system following growing allegations involving sexual abuse and mistreatment of young children.

Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire reportedly acknowledged what he described as a “systemic risk” facing children and repeatedly apologized while announcing an emergency reform package valued at €20 million, or roughly $23 million.

The measures are expected to include expanded staff training, unannounced inspections, and new rules prohibiting adults from being left alone with children.

According to reports, former mayor Anne Hidalgo had previously attempted to avoid public attention surrounding complaints linked to the childcare system. Grégoire, who took office in March, has instead pledged greater transparency and recently disclosed that 78 after-school employees had been suspended in 2026, including 31 individuals facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

The scandal has generated widespread concern across France following allegations involving children reportedly as young as three years old.

Reports citing parents of affected children alleged that some minors were locked in rooms, subjected to sexual abuse, and threatened in attempts to stop them from speaking about the incidents.

Parents, activists, and labor unions have argued that the situation exposed deeper structural problems within the childcare system, including understaffing, insecure employment conditions, and inadequate background checks for employees.

According to reports, critics also accused municipal authorities of reassigning problematic workers rather than dismissing them entirely.

The controversy intensified earlier this month when Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced investigations into suspected sexual violence cases involving dozens of nursery schools, elementary schools, and daycare centers throughout the city.

On the same day, investigators from the Paris Juvenile Protection Brigade reportedly conducted coordinated raids linked to the investigation, detaining 16 individuals employed in after-school programmes at a school in the city’s 7th arrondissement.

According to reports, those detained ranged in age from 18 to 68 and included kindergarten assistants, educational supervisors, and activity coordinators working under the city administration. Allegations reportedly included rape, sexual assault, sexual exhibitionism, and violent conduct.

The issue gained national attention earlier this year after undercover footage broadcast on French television allegedly revealed verbal abuse and sexual misconduct inside a Paris nursery, leading to the suspension of 12 workers.

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