The position of parties had been strangely complicated by the unpopularity of the Directors.

Despite their illegal devices, the elections of 1798 and 1799 for the renewal of a third part of the legislative Councils had signally strengthened the anti-directorial ranks.

Among the Opposition were some royalists, a large number of constitutionals, whether of the Feuillant or Girondin type, and many deputies, who either vaunted the name of Jacobins or veiled their advanced opinions under the convenient appellation of "patriots." Many of the deputies were young, impressionable, and likely to follow any able leader who promised to heal the schisms of the country.

In fact, the old party lines were being effaced.

The champions of the constitution of 1795 (Year III.) saw no better means of defending it than by violating electoral liberties--always in the sacred name of Liberty; and the Directory, while professing to hold the balance between the extreme parties, repressed them by turns with a vigour which rendered them popular and official moderation odious.
In this general confusion and apathy the dearth of statesmen was painfully conspicuous.