Anne Hidalgo, former mayor of Paris, acknowledged "dysfunctions" and "a collective failure" in handling sexual violence in extracurricular activities during her tenure, according to France3 Regions. Hidalgo, who served as the mayor of Paris from 2014 to 2026, was being questioned by the Senate commission on September 15, 2026, concerning the issue.
During her testimony, Hidalgo stated, "Our institutions have failed in the protection of our children," highlighting the systemic issues in place during her time in office. The Senate commission is investigating violence in extracurricular activities, focusing on the period when Hidalgo was in charge.
Hidalgo, who directed the capital for twelve years, also noted that despite her efforts, predators still managed to harm children. This acknowledgment comes as the investigation expands to include Emmanuel Grégoire, the current mayor of Paris, who is also under investigation.
The investigation into the handling of sexual violence in extracurricular activities is part of a broader inquiry into the governance of Paris during Hidalgo's tenure. The Senate commission's questioning of Hidalgo on September 15, 2026, marks a significant step in the investigation, as it seeks to uncover the full extent of the failures within the city's institutions.
Hidalgo's admission of "dysfunctions" and "a collective failure" underscores the systemic issues that have been identified in the handling of sexual violence in extracurricular activities. The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the actions taken during Hidalgo's time as mayor and to ensure that such failures are not repeated in the future.
The Senate commission's investigation continues to gather evidence and testimonies from various stakeholders, including former and current officials, educators, and parents. This ongoing process is expected to shed light on the measures that were in place and the effectiveness of those measures in protecting children from sexual violence in extracurricular activities.
The investigation is set to continue, with the Senate commission scheduled to meet again in the coming weeks to discuss the findings and determine the next steps in addressing the issues identified.