What is Gaullism?
Gaullism is a political tradition in France that takes its name from Charles de Gaulle, the wartime leader of the Free French and founder of the Fifth Republic. It is usually placed on the center-right, but it does not fit neatly into left and right. Gaullists put national sovereignty and the grandeur of France first. They favor a strong executive that stands above political parties, direct appeals to the people through referendums, and a state that plans and modernizes the economy. In foreign policy, Gaullism stresses independence from both superpowers and an independent nuclear deterrent.
Core beliefs
- France should act as an independent power and never depend on another state for its security.
- A strong president, elected by and answerable to the people, should guide the nation.
- Referendums give citizens a direct voice above party politics.
- The state should steer economic modernization through planning and major national projects.
- Europe should be a union of sovereign nations rather than a federal state.
- Social classes should be reconciled through cooperation, including worker participation in company profits.
History
Gaullism began with de Gaulle's radio appeal from London on 18 June 1940, calling on the French to continue resisting Germany. After leading the provisional government, he resigned in 1946 and founded the Rally of the French People (RPF) in 1947 to oppose the Fourth Republic's party system. During the Algerian crisis of 1958 he returned to power, and a new constitution with a strong presidency was approved by referendum that year. A further referendum in 1962 introduced direct election of the president. As president, de Gaulle ended the Algerian War, built a French nuclear force, vetoed British entry into the European Economic Community in 1963 and 1967, and withdrew France from NATO's integrated military command in 1966. He resigned in 1969 after losing a referendum on regional and Senate reform. His successors, including Georges Pompidou and Jacques Chirac, led Gaullist parties such as the UDR and, from 1976, the Rally for the Republic.
Variants
Historical or orthodox Gaullism stresses loyalty to de Gaulle's own principles of independence and the strong state. Left Gaullism emphasized worker participation and social reform. Sovereigntist Gaullists later opposed deeper European integration, including the Maastricht Treaty. Over time the main Gaullist party moved toward a more conventional center-right position, merging into the Union for a Popular Movement in 2002.
Criticisms
Critics on the left argued that the Fifth Republic concentrated too much power in one person and weakened Parliament, a concern expressed in the phrase 'permanent coup'. Supporters of European federalism and the Atlantic alliance argued that Gaullist foreign policy divided the West and slowed European unity. Free-market critics argue that the dirigiste economic model protected large state-linked firms and limited competition. Others note that the label has been claimed by so many politicians that it has lost a precise meaning.
In practice
The institutions of the Fifth Republic remain the most lasting legacy of Gaullism, and French presidents of different parties have kept a strong role in foreign and defense policy. The independent nuclear deterrent, large state-backed projects in energy, aviation and transport, and the defense of national agriculture within the European Community all reflect Gaullist priorities. Many French politicians across the spectrum still describe themselves as heirs of de Gaulle.