New Centre
Encyclopedia
New Centre also known as the European Social Liberal Party (Parti Social Libéral Européen, PSLE) is a centre-right political party
in France
, formed by the members of the Union for French Democracy
(UDF) – including a majority of former parliamentarians (18 of 29 members of the UDF in the National Assembly) – who did not agree with François Bayrou
's decision to found the Democratic Movement
(MoDem) and wanted to support the newly elected president Nicolas Sarkozy
, continuing the UDF-Union for a Popular Movement
(UMP) alliance.
Its creation was announced on May 29, 2007 during a press conference.
in June 2007 17 NC deputies were elected, in addition to five unaffiliated deputies elected under the "Majorité Présidentielle" banner. Only three MoDem deputies were elected, even though they won 7.6% of the first round vote and the NC-PSLE won about 2.3%. However, less than one hundred NC candidates were standing, compared to over 500 for the MoDem.
Minister of Defense Hervé Morin
was elected by the first round in Eure
(50.05%), other candidates such as François Sauvadet
, Charles de Courson
were also elected by the first round. In total, six NC-PSLE members were elected by round one.
In the second round, 11 additional deputies were elected, giving the party a total of 17 deputies. With other deputies elected under various banners, the party formed a parliamentary group of 22 members, including MoDem candidates Jean-Christophe Lagarde
. Mayotte
MoDem deputy Abdoulatifou Aly joined the group before defecting back to the MoDem. In a 2008 by-election in the Rhone
, the party gained a seat after the UMP incumbent saw his election invalidated.
In his second cabinet, the Prime Minister François Fillon
appointed three NC members Hervé Morin
as Defense Minister, André Santini
as State Secretary for Public Servants and Valérie Létard
as State Secretary for Social Solidarity.
The party held its foundation congress in Nîmes
in 2008, where Hervé Morin
was elected president of the party.
In the municipal
and cantonal
elections held in 2008, the party held most if its seats, but lost Blois
and Amiens
to the PS. It did gain, however, the cities of Agen
and Châtellerault
. It lost the department of the Somme
but gained the Côte-d'Or
, where François Sauvadet
was elected as departmental president. In the 2009 European elections
the party joined the presidential majority alliance and three NC members were elected as MEPs.
In May–June 2011 the party joined The Alliance, alongside with the Radical Party, as an alternative to the UMP.
in his 2007 presidential campaign.
It supports a social market economy
, which seeks to find a compromise between socialism
and laissez-faire capitalism. In this regards, it supports social welfare and a competitive market economy. It also supports a looser application of the French 35-hour workweek
, a reduction in the payroll tax
, a French version of the American Small Business Administration
and a reduction of the government debt
and more budgetary regulation.
The New Centre supports a diversification of energy sources to cut by four greenhouse gas
emissions by 2050. In this regard, it supports the development of public transit and further development of fluvial and railway transportation of goods and people.
It supports a greater role for the French Parliament and some in the party favour the introduction of Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) or a German electoral system for parliamentary elections. Like all French centrist parties descended from the centrist Christian democratic ideals, it is strongly Europhile
and supports increased European control over the economy, environment, immigration, energy and research.
, where it holds two of the department's three seats as well as the presidency of the general council.
, a very small party in French Polynesia
. 23 parliamentarians (18 of the French National Assembly and 5 from the Senate) declared they belong to Fetia Api for this reason.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, formed by the members of the Union for French Democracy
Union for French Democracy
The Union for French Democracy was a French centrist political party. It was founded in 1978 as an electoral alliance to support President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing in order to counterbalance the Gaullist preponderance over the right. This name was chosen due to the title of Giscard d'Estaing's...
(UDF) – including a majority of former parliamentarians (18 of 29 members of the UDF in the National Assembly) – who did not agree with François Bayrou
François Bayrou
François Bayrou is a French centrist politician, president of Union for French Democracy since 1998 and was a candidate in the 2002 and 2007 French presidential elections. In the first round, he received 18.6% of the vote, finishing in 3rd place and therefore was eliminated from the race....
's decision to found the Democratic Movement
Democratic Movement (France)
The Democratic Movement , MoDem) is a centrist, social liberal and pro-European French political party that was founded by centrist politician François Bayrou to succeed his Union for French Democracy and to contest the 2007 legislative election, after his strong showing in the 2007 presidential...
(MoDem) and wanted to support the newly elected president Nicolas Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy
Nicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
, continuing the UDF-Union for a Popular Movement
Union for a Popular Movement
The Union for a Popular Movement is a centre-right political party in France, and one of the two major contemporary political parties in the country along with the center-left Socialist Party...
(UMP) alliance.
Its creation was announced on May 29, 2007 during a press conference.
History
During the legislative electionsFrench legislative election, 2007
The French legislative elections took place on 10 June and 17 June 2007 to elect the 13th National Assembly of the Fifth Republic, a few weeks after the French presidential election run-off on 6 May. 7,639 candidates stood for 577 seats, including France's overseas possessions...
in June 2007 17 NC deputies were elected, in addition to five unaffiliated deputies elected under the "Majorité Présidentielle" banner. Only three MoDem deputies were elected, even though they won 7.6% of the first round vote and the NC-PSLE won about 2.3%. However, less than one hundred NC candidates were standing, compared to over 500 for the MoDem.
Minister of Defense Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin is a French politician, leader of the New Center party and a former French Minister of Defence.-Member of National Assembly:...
was elected by the first round in Eure
Eure
Eure is a department in the north of France named after the river Eure.- History :Eure is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790...
(50.05%), other candidates such as François Sauvadet
François Sauvadet
François Sauvadet is the president of the Côte-d'Or department and the parliamentary leader of the New Centre. He is a member of the New Centre. He represents the 4th constituency of the Cote-d'Or inthe French National Assembly....
, Charles de Courson
Charles de Courson
Charles- Amédée de Courson is a member of the National Assembly of France and a former 'rapporteur', current vice-president and prominent member of its Finance Commission. He represents the Marne department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
were also elected by the first round. In total, six NC-PSLE members were elected by round one.
In the second round, 11 additional deputies were elected, giving the party a total of 17 deputies. With other deputies elected under various banners, the party formed a parliamentary group of 22 members, including MoDem candidates Jean-Christophe Lagarde
Jean-Christophe Lagarde
Jean-Christophe Lagarde is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Seine-Saint-Denis department, and is a member of the New Centre. Since 2001 he is the mayor of Drancy, Seine-Saint-Denis.-References:...
. Mayotte
Mayotte
Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France consisting of a main island, Grande-Terre , a smaller island, Petite-Terre , and several islets around these two. The archipelago is located in the northern Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, namely between northwestern Madagascar and...
MoDem deputy Abdoulatifou Aly joined the group before defecting back to the MoDem. In a 2008 by-election in the Rhone
Rhône
Rhone can refer to:* Rhone, one of the major rivers of Europe, running through Switzerland and France* Rhône Glacier, the source of the Rhone River and one of the primary contributors to Lake Geneva in the far eastern end of the canton of Valais in Switzerland...
, the party gained a seat after the UMP incumbent saw his election invalidated.
In his second cabinet, the Prime Minister François Fillon
François Fillon
François Charles Armand Fillon is the Prime Minister of France. He was appointed to that office by President Nicolas Sarkozy on 17 May 2007. He served initially until 13 November 2010 when he resigned from being prime minister before a planned cabinet reshuffle.On 14 November 2010, Sarkozy...
appointed three NC members Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin is a French politician, leader of the New Center party and a former French Minister of Defence.-Member of National Assembly:...
as Defense Minister, André Santini
André Santini
André Santini is a French politician, mayor of Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hauts-de-Seine.A former member of the UDF, he did not support François Bayrou, the candidate of his party for the first round of 2007 French presidential election, choosing instead to support Nicolas Sarkozy.After the election, he...
as State Secretary for Public Servants and Valérie Létard
Valérie Létard
Valérie Létard was Secretary of State for Solidarity in the government of François Fillon from June 2007 to 14 November 2010....
as State Secretary for Social Solidarity.
The party held its foundation congress in Nîmes
Nîmes
Nîmes is the capital of the Gard department in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France. Nîmes has a rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire, and is a popular tourist destination.-History:...
in 2008, where Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin
Hervé Morin is a French politician, leader of the New Center party and a former French Minister of Defence.-Member of National Assembly:...
was elected president of the party.
In the municipal
French municipal elections, 2008
The French municipal elections of 2008 were held on 9 March in that year to elect the municipal councils of France's 36,782 communes...
and cantonal
French cantonal elections, 2008
Cantonal elections to elect half the membership of the general councils of France's 100 departments were held on 9 and 16 March 2008. These elections coincided with the municipal elections, in which the left did well.-Electoral system:...
elections held in 2008, the party held most if its seats, but lost Blois
Blois
Blois is the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours.-History:...
and Amiens
Amiens
Amiens is a city and commune in northern France, north of Paris and south-west of Lille. It is the capital of the Somme department in Picardy...
to the PS. It did gain, however, the cities of Agen
Agen
Agen is a commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department in Aquitaine in south-western France. It lies on the river Garonne southeast of Bordeaux. It is the capital of the department.-Economy:The town has a higher level of unemployment than the national average...
and Châtellerault
Châtellerault
Châtellerault is a commune in the Vienne department in the Poitou-Charentes region in France.It is located to the north of Poitou, and the residents are called Châtelleraudais.-Geography:...
. It lost the department of the Somme
Somme
Somme is a department of France, located in the north of the country and named after the Somme river. It is part of the Picardy region of France....
but gained the Côte-d'Or
Côte-d'Or
Côte-d'Or is a department in the eastern part of France.- History :Côte-d'Or is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790. It was formed from part of the former province of Burgundy.- Geography :...
, where François Sauvadet
François Sauvadet
François Sauvadet is the president of the Côte-d'Or department and the parliamentary leader of the New Centre. He is a member of the New Centre. He represents the 4th constituency of the Cote-d'Or inthe French National Assembly....
was elected as departmental president. In the 2009 European elections
European Parliament election, 2009 (France)
European elections to elect 72 French Members of the European Parliament were held on Sunday 7 June 2009.Due to the entry of Romania and Bulgaria in the European Union in 2007, the number of seats allocated to France was revised from 78 seats to 72 seats, a loss of 6 seats...
the party joined the presidential majority alliance and three NC members were elected as MEPs.
In May–June 2011 the party joined The Alliance, alongside with the Radical Party, as an alternative to the UMP.
Ideology
The New Centre's political ideas are in large part inspired by those of François BayrouFrançois Bayrou
François Bayrou is a French centrist politician, president of Union for French Democracy since 1998 and was a candidate in the 2002 and 2007 French presidential elections. In the first round, he received 18.6% of the vote, finishing in 3rd place and therefore was eliminated from the race....
in his 2007 presidential campaign.
It supports a social market economy
Social market economy
The social market economy is the main economic model used in West Germany after World War II. It is based on the economic philosophy of Ordoliberalism from the Freiburg School...
, which seeks to find a compromise between socialism
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
and laissez-faire capitalism. In this regards, it supports social welfare and a competitive market economy. It also supports a looser application of the French 35-hour workweek
35-hour workweek
The 35-hour working week is a measure adopted first in France, in February 2000, under Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's Plural Left government; it was pushed by Minister of Labour Martine Aubry. The previous legal duration of the working week was 39 hours, which had been established by François...
, a reduction in the payroll tax
Payroll tax
Payroll tax generally refers to two different kinds of similar taxes. The first kind is a tax that employers are required to withhold from employees' wages, also known as withholding tax, pay-as-you-earn tax , or pay-as-you-go tax...
, a French version of the American Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by enabling the establishment and viability of small businesses...
and a reduction of the government debt
Government debt
Government debt is money owed by a central government. In the US, "government debt" may also refer to the debt of a municipal or local government...
and more budgetary regulation.
The New Centre supports a diversification of energy sources to cut by four greenhouse gas
Greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone...
emissions by 2050. In this regard, it supports the development of public transit and further development of fluvial and railway transportation of goods and people.
It supports a greater role for the French Parliament and some in the party favour the introduction of Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) or a German electoral system for parliamentary elections. Like all French centrist parties descended from the centrist Christian democratic ideals, it is strongly Europhile
Europhile
A europhile is a person who is fond of, admires, or even loves European culture, society, history, food, etc. In politics, it may be used to imply Pro-Europeanism, or support for the European Union, often disapprovingly...
and supports increased European control over the economy, environment, immigration, energy and research.
Elected officials
- Ministers: Maurice LeroyMaurice LeroyMaurice Leroy is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Loir-et-Cher department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
- Deputies: Jean-Pierre AbelinJean-Pierre AbelinJean-Pierre Abelin is a French politician.-Biography:Jean-Pierre Abelin is the son of Pierre Abelin. He has been a member of the French National Assembly since 1978, most recently re-elected in 2007 for the 4th constituency of Vienne...
, Thierry BenoitThierry BenoitThierry Benoit is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Ille-et-Vilaine department, is a member of the Centrist Alliance and caucuses with the New Centre.-References:...
(ACCentrist AllianceThe ' is a centrist political party in France.It was founded in June 2009 by Jean Arthuis, a former member of the Union for French Democracy and currently Senator for the Mayenne department, where he also serves as President of the General Council.The party is seen as a successor to Arthuis'...
), Christian BlancChristian BlancChristian Blanc is a French politician.He was a member of the Saint-Simon Foundation think-tank. Blanc was elected to the National Assembly to represent the third district of Yvelines on 15 December 2002, replacing Anne-Marie Idrac, who had stood down to on nomination to become president of the RATP...
, Pascal Brindeau, Hervé de CharetteHervé de CharetteHervé de Charette is a French centre-right politician.He is a descendant of the royalist military leader François de Charette. Member of the Union for French Democracy , he was elected deputy for the first time in 1986 as representative of the Maine-et-Loire département...
, Charles de CoursonCharles de CoursonCharles- Amédée de Courson is a member of the National Assembly of France and a former 'rapporteur', current vice-president and prominent member of its Finance Commission. He represents the Marne department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Stéphane DemillyStéphane DemillyStéphane Demilly is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Somme department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Jean Dionis du SéjourJean Dionis du SéjourJean Dionis du Séjour , is a French politician from the former centrist UDF party. He is now member of the New Centre ....
, Raymond Durand, Philippe FolliotPhilippe FolliotPhilippe Folliot is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Tarn department, is a member of the Centrist Alliance and caucuses with the New Centre.-References:...
(AC), Francis HillmeyerFrancis HillmeyerFrancis Hillmeyer is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Haut-Rhin department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Michel HunaultMichel HunaultMichel Hunault is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Loire-Atlantique department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Olivier JardéOlivier JardéOlivier Jardé is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Somme department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Yvan LachaudYvan LachaudYvan Lachaud is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Gard department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Jean-Christophe LagardeJean-Christophe LagardeJean-Christophe Lagarde is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Seine-Saint-Denis department, and is a member of the New Centre. Since 2001 he is the mayor of Drancy, Seine-Saint-Denis.-References:...
, Claude LeteurtreClaude LeteurtreClaude Leteurtre is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Calvados department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Hervé MorinHervé MorinHervé Morin is a French politician, leader of the New Center party and a former French Minister of Defence.-Member of National Assembly:...
, Nicolas PerruchotNicolas PerruchotNicolas Perruchot is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Loir-et-Cher department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Jean-Luc PréelJean-Luc PréelJean-Luc Préel is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Vendée department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, François RochebloineFrançois RochebloineFrançois Rochebloine is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Loire department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, Rudy SallesRudy SallesRudy Salles is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Alpes-Maritimes department, and is a member of the New Centre.-References:...
, André SantiniAndré SantiniAndré Santini is a French politician, mayor of Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hauts-de-Seine.A former member of the UDF, he did not support François Bayrou, the candidate of his party for the first round of 2007 French presidential election, choosing instead to support Nicolas Sarkozy.After the election, he...
, François SauvadetFrançois SauvadetFrançois Sauvadet is the president of the Côte-d'Or department and the parliamentary leader of the New Centre. He is a member of the New Centre. He represents the 4th constituency of the Cote-d'Or inthe French National Assembly....
, Francis VercamerFrancis VercamerFrancis Vercamer is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Nord department, and is a member of the New Centre. He is the mayor of Hem, Nord.-References:...
, Philippe VigierPhilippe VigierPhilippe Vigier is a member of the National Assembly of France. He represents the Eure-et-Loire department, and is a member of the New Centre. He was formerly a member of the UDF. He is the mayor of Cloyes-sur-le-Loir, Eure-et-Loire.-References:... - Senators: Jean-Paul AmoudryJean-Paul AmoudryJean-Paul Amoudry is a member of the Senate of France, representing the Haute-Savoie department. He is a member of the New Centre.-References:*...
, Claude BiwerClaude BiwerClaude Biwer is a member of the Senate of France, representing the Meuse department. He is a member of the New Centre and sits in the Senate as a member of the Centrist Union group.-References:...
, Jean BoyerJean BoyerJean Boyer was a French film director and songwriter.- Songs :* 1930 : Un regardé, dans le film Flagrant délit...
, Daniel DuboisDaniel DuboisDaniel Dubois is a French politician and a member of the Senate of France. He represents the Somme department and is a member of the Union for French Democracy Party.-References:*...
, Jean-Léonce DupontJean-Léonce DupontJean-Léonce Dupont is a French politician and a member of the Senate of France. He represents the Calvados department and is both a Vice President of the Senate and his Union for French Democracy Party.-References:*...
, Hervé MaureyHervé MaureyHervé Maurey is a member of the Senate of France, representing the Eure department. He is a member of the New Centre . Since 2003 he is the mayor of Bernay, Eure.-References:*...
, Catherine Morin-DesaillyCatherine Morin-DesaillyCatherine Morin-Desailly is a member of the Senate of France, representing the Seine-Maritime department. She is a member of the Centrist Union.-References:*...
, Jean-Jacques PignardJean-Jacques PignardJean-Jacques Pignard is a French politician and a member of the Senate of France. He represents the Rhône department and is a member of the New Centre. He replaces Michel Mercier, who resigned his Senate seat to join cabinet. He was previously mayor of Villefranche.-References:...
, Yves Pozzo di BorgoYves Pozzo di BorgoYves Pozzo di Borgo is a member of the Senate of France, representing the city of Paris. He is a member of the Centrist Union. He is of italian origin.-References:*...
, André Villiers - MEPs: Damien AbadDamien AbadDamien Abad is a Member of the European Parliament, representing South East France. Aged 29, he is the youngest MEP from France....
, Sophie Briard-AuconieSophie Briard-Auconie' is a French politician and Member of the European Parliament elected in the 2009 European election for the Massif Central-Centre constituency.A former member of Liberal Democracy , she joined the New Centre in 2008...
, Jean-Marie CavadaJean-Marie CavadaJean-Marie Cavada is a French politician and Member of the European Parliament for the Ile de France....
(AC)
Popular support
It is hard to pinpoint the geographic distribution of the NC's vote since most of its candidates run without UMP opposition. The party is strong institutionally in the Loir-et-CherLoir-et-Cher
Loir-et-Cher is a département in north-central France named after the rivers Loir and Cher.-History:Loir-et-Cher is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790. It was created from parts of the former provinces of Orléanais and...
, where it holds two of the department's three seats as well as the presidency of the general council.
Legislative
| Election year | # of 1st round votes | % of 1st round vote | # of 2nd round votes | % of 2nd round vote | # of seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 French legislative election, 2007 The French legislative elections took place on 10 June and 17 June 2007 to elect the 13th National Assembly of the Fifth Republic, a few weeks after the French presidential election run-off on 6 May. 7,639 candidates stood for 577 seats, including France's overseas possessions... |
616,440 | 2.37% | 433,057 | 2.12% | 22 |
European Parliament
| Election year | # of votes | % of overall vote | # of seats won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 European Parliament election, 2009 (France) European elections to elect 72 French Members of the European Parliament were held on Sunday 7 June 2009.Due to the entry of Romania and Bulgaria in the European Union in 2007, the number of seats allocated to France was revised from 78 seats to 72 seats, a loss of 6 seats... |
ran with UMP, Modern Left, Progressives | 3 | |
Financing
In order to obtain public financing, the New Centre has signed a convention with Fetia ApiFetia Api
The Fetia Api or Nouvelle Étoile is a political party in French Polynesia.At the last legislative elections on May 23, 2004, and by-elections on February 13, 2005, the party was part of the Alliance for a New Democracy , that won 3 out of 57 seats.It is linked with New Centre for helping the...
, a very small party in French Polynesia
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic . It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island and the seat of the capital of the territory...
. 23 parliamentarians (18 of the French National Assembly and 5 from the Senate) declared they belong to Fetia Api for this reason.