French politics during Napoleon's campaign in Italy oscillated dangerously between left and right. The establishment and dominance of the directory system of government, the rise of the left-wing movement, threats to the directory, and the ideological divide shaped the political landscape. The majority faction uncovers a royalist plot, leading to a political shift to the right and the rise of the Charles-Pecia Group. Napoleon expresses his dissatisfaction and announces his political ambitions in a tense letter exchange.