Democratic Convention (France) facts for kids
The Democratic Convention (often called CD) is a political party in France. It believes in ideas that are in the middle ground, often called "centrist," and supports "liberal" ideas, which means it believes in individual freedoms and rights.
What is the Democratic Convention?
The Democratic Convention is a political group in France. It is a continuation of earlier groups that were part of a larger alliance called the Union for French Democracy (UDF). The UDF was formed in 1978. These earlier groups were supported by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. He was the president of France from 1974 to 1981.
How it Started
The roots of the Democratic Convention go back to 1965. That's when the Perspectives and Realities Clubs (CPR) were created. These clubs were like a "thinking group" for political ideas. They worked alongside Giscard d'Estaing's other political parties. Later, in 1995, the Popular Party for French Democracy (PPDF) was formed. This was a full political party for Giscard's supporters.
Joining Bigger Groups
In 2002, the PPDF left the UDF. It then joined a new, bigger party called the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). The UMP was created when several parties merged. Inside the UMP, the PPDF became a smaller group. It changed its name to "Democratic Convention" at this time.
A New Path
The Democratic Convention stayed with the UMP until 2010. Then, the CD joined another group called New Centre. Through the New Centre, it became part of The Alliance. This was a new group of centrist parties. In 2012, The Alliance became the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI). The CD then joined the UDI.
Yves Jégo was a politician who tried to become the leader of the UDI. After that, in 2013–2014, he helped restart the original "Clubs." These clubs aimed to develop political ideas for liberal and European values. This new organization was more like a political party. Jégo led it as president. In 2018, after Jégo retired, Éric Hélard, Sophie Auconie and Laurent Lafon became the co-chairs of the party.
