**Les Républicains (LR)** is a major French political party founded in 2015 as the successor to the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), which was established in 2002 under former President Jacques Chirac. LR represents a **liberal-conservative ideology** grounded in the Gaullist tradition, combining support for individual freedoms with traditional values and conservative economic policies[2][3]. The party emphasizes issues such as taxation, labor, retirement, and environmental concerns, aiming to defend French citizens' interests while promoting values of freedom, authority, and progress[1].
Historically, the party's roots trace back to the 1970s through the Republican Party and the National Foundation of Independent Republicans, which merged various center-right factions. LR inherited this legacy and became one of France's two dominant political forces, alongside the Socialist Party, holding significant influence in legislative bodies and shaping national policy for decades[5].
LR has experienced fluctuating electoral fortunes. After the 2017 elections, it became the second-largest group in the National Assembly, trailing President Emmanuel Macron's La République En Marche (REM). Despite setbacks, including Valérie Pécresse’s low presidential vote share in 2022, LR demonstrated resilience by securing around 75 seats in legislative elections, showcasing strong regional organization and voter mobilization across provincial France[4]. The party also maintains a presence in the French Senate, where it has held a majority, and engages internationally through affiliations with groups like the European People's Party and the International Democrat Union[2][6].
Notably, LR occupies a political space close to Macron’s centrist positions but remains distinct on issues like immigration and security. The party has undergone leadership and strategic shifts, including prominent figures like Nicolas Sarkozy supporting Macron in second-round presidential runoffs, reflecting complex alliances in the French right[4].
For readers interested in business and technology, LR’s policies often focus on economic liberalism, advocating for reduced state intervention, fisca