The Transformation of the French Right: Institutional Imperatives and Organizational Changes

Abstract

The creation of the UMP after the 2002 presidential election began a new cycle for the French Right. It can be characterized as the refoundation of a party by merger. The reasoning behind the partial unification of the parties of the Right can be understood only in terms of the hybrid nature of the French institutional system. The merger proceeded from a long-established system of cooperation at the legislative level, but the main motivation was the restoration of Jacques Chirac's authority over both his political camp and the institution of the presidency. The real test that this new party will face is the selection of a single presidential candidate. Although the party is not yet fully institutionalized, it is possible to identify changes that are already in effect and others that the new organization may potentially introduce. The merger was achieved through financial centralization, an element that distinguishes the UMP from previous electoral coalitions; it entails distributing positions according to various principles of representation and raises the question of how to institute pluralism and possibly, accommodate ideological diversity within the party.