All France elections

1881 French Legislative Election

21 August and 4 September 1881 · The Third Republic · 545 seats, 273 for a majority

It was a great success for the followers of Léon Gambetta, whom President Jules Grévy appointed premier two months after the election. His government only lasted 73 days, however, before falling over the issue of electoral reform.

Prime Minister before

Jules Ferry

Republican Left

Prime Minister after

Léon Gambetta

Republican Union

Largest force

Republican Union

204 of 545 seats

Turnout

The result

Share of the chamber
Republican UnionLéon Gambetta204
Republican LeftJules Ferry168
BonapartistsGeorges-Eugène Haussmann46
Far-leftLouis Blanc46
Monarchists42
Centre-left39