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The example of Arthur Fontaine, first permanent under-secretary of the Labor Office from 1899 to 1920, elucidates the relationship between political power and state administrative power in France’s Third Republic. In this technical office, the alliance between the permanent under-secretary and minister was one between technician and politician. However, Fontaine brought complete political security to the republican powers, even beyond what he was asked, because this high-ranking civil servant maintained close ties with left-wing leaders. Under the authority of “great ministers,” he could act with relative effectiveness despite little autonomy. During ministerial instability, he gained autonomy and authority, but without much effectiveness.