Joseph Fouché and the politics of survival

The historical figure Joseph Fouché, known as ‘the necessary man’ during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, is highlighted for his extreme political adaptability. Originally a seminarian, Fouché transitioned from a Catholic devotee to a fierce persecutor of the Church during the French Revolution. He aligned with radical Jacobins, voted for the execution of Louis XVI, and earned the moniker ‘Butcher of Lyon’ for ordering mass executions.

Fouché demonstrated remarkable survival skills by conspiring against his ally Robespierre, serving in the Directory, and later becoming Napoleon Bonaparte’s powerful Minister of Police. Even after Napoleon’s fall, he pivoted to support the restoration of the absolute monarchy under Louis XVIII. His reputation as a ‘chameleon’ or ‘man without guts’ has inspired various literary and cinematic works.

The text draws a parallel between Fouché’s survivalism and the ‘Centrão’ in modern Brazilian politics. The Centrão is described as a powerful bloc of parties—including MDB, União Brasil, Progressista, Republicanos, and PSD—that maintains influence by supporting various administrations, from Lula to Bolsonaro, in exchange for government positions and budget allocations.