National Bloc (France) Explained

Native Name:Bloc national
Leader1 Title:Leaders
Leader1 Name:Georges Clemenceau,
Paul Deschanel,
Alexandre Millerand
Headquarters:Paris
Position:Centre-right
Colours: Blue
Country:France

The National Bloc (French: Bloc national) was the name given to two loose coalitions formed by various parties of the right in France, characterised by an alliance between former enemies of centre-right Radicals, conservative liberals and Catholic nationalists. The first Bloc, led by Clemenceau, was in power from 1919 to 1924. Later, the name was often used to describe a governing alliance of a similar range of parties, led by Poincaré and in power from 1926 to 1932.[1]

Elections of 1919

Made up primarily of conservative right wing parties, such as the Fédération républicaine, Alliance démocratique, and Action libérale, the coalition had the support of various radical right wing parties as well. The Bloc wanted to continue the patriotic union sacrée which was Raymond Poincaré's coalition during World War I. The bloc won with 53% of the vote.

The National Bloc election campaign focused on two principal issues: Patriotism and fear of Bolshevism.

Composition

PartyMain ideologyLeader/s
Republican FederationConservatismAuguste Isaac
Democratic Republican AllianceLiberal conservatismCharles Jonnart
Independent RadicalsSocial liberalismPierre-Étienne Flandin
Miscellaneous RightRight-wing politicsVarious

Electoral results

Chamber of Deputies
Election year
  1. of
    overall votes
% of
overall vote
  1. of
    overall seats won
+/–Leader
19194,353,025 (#1)53.42

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NEW PARTY FORMED BY FRENCH PREMIER; Poincare Abolishes National Bloc and Merges It in Party of Republican Union . The New York Times . The New York Times . 6 February 2024.