The Centre républicain was a right-wing parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies of the French Third Republic from 1932 to 1936. The group was critical of parliamentarism and advocated for plebiscitary democracy and a strong executive.
History The Centre républicain was established in 1932 by André Tardieu after his unsuccessful attempt to take control of the Democratic Republican Alliance, in order to transform it into a large liberal-conservative party. Positioned firmly on the right, the group dissolved after the 1936 elections when Tardieu failed to retain his seat.
Ideology The group aligned with the principles laid out in Tardieu's book, *Réforme de l'État*. These included removing the right of the Parliament to initiate expenditures, creating the position of Prime Minister, granting the Prime Minister the power to dissolve the Chamber of Deputies, enfranchising women, and advocating for the use of referendums.
Criticism of parliamentary dominance in interwar France was not exclusive to the Centre républicain: Charles Maurras and the Action française opposed parliamentary governance, advocating for a monarchy underpinned by decentralization. The Ligue de la jeune République supported state reform and aligned with Pierre Mendès France post-World War II. The Jeunes Turcs of the Radical Party also sought reform and later backed Mendès France.
These movements influenced the foundation of the Fifth Republic.
Members Below is a summary of notable members of the Centre républicain: Name Department Party before joining Alignment during Centre républicain tenure Party after 1936 André Tardieu Territoire de Belfort Democratic Republican Alliance Centre républicain - Louis Jacquinot Meuse - Centre républicain Alliance of Left Republicans and Independent Radicals Paul Reynaud Seine Action démocratique et sociale Centre républicain Alliance of Left Republicans and Independent Radicals
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