Party factionalism in French dominant parties: Relational, structural and cyclical dynamics

The paper addresses the question of the transformation of intra-party conflict within the two dominant parties in France: the left-wing Parti socialiste (PS) and the right-wing Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP). Whatever the specific forms they might take, factions are generally loosely institutionalized, often resting on informal and personal ties. In this respect, they are likely to be more responsive to pressure than other political groups; this characteristic justifies the relevance of a dynamic approach to intra-party party (Boucek 2009). This requires also to pay attention to the delimitation of sub-groups within the party, but also to the broader question of party boundaries.

Analytically, we will argue that these dynamics may result from relational, structural and cyclical processes. In the French case, relational dynamics refer to the symmetrical position of the two parties within the French party system. Mimetic relations accompany organizational transfers and borrowings and finally produce an accumulation of diverse and sometimes contradictory rules. Structural dynamics on the other hand, mainly refer to the impact of presidentialization. It is a long term structural process which has already deeply modified party factionalism, introducing new rules and new incentives. Presidentialization, far from clarifying the situation, increases the confusion since presidential nomination tends to personalize internal divisions. New cyclical dynamics result from these structural changes. Party presidentialization for example reinforces short-term effects that are dependent on the position of the party and more precisely on whether it is in office or not. Depending on this position, conflicts emerge within the party, in this parliamentary group or are externalized on party margins (for instance within political clubs).

Overall, the French case provides evidence of the need to study party conflict by taking into account the accumulation of rules and the combination of relational, structural and cyclical dynamics.