1388: The 'Marmousets' and the Reassertion of Royal Government

In 1388, Charles VI declared that he wished to govern. He recalled advisers from the administrative generation of Charles V, often mocked by their opponents as the “Marmousets”. Behind the label, the issue was clear: to retake control of the council, finances, and political priorities.

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🧾 Rebalancing Power

The reassertion aimed to:

• reduce the capture of revenues by the great princes;
• restore more technical management of finances;
• reinforce the continuity of institutions (chancellery, justice, administration).

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🧠 A Moment of “Good Government” (Fragile)

The period 1388–1392 is often seen as a brief moment of effectiveness: the state could function with greater coherence. But this coherence depended on the king’s active involvement in government. If the sovereign withdrew or was incapacitated, the princes would inevitably return to centre stage.

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🧠 Key Takeaways

• 1388 marks a turning point: Charles VI tried to govern with royal officials rather than princes.
• Institutional stability remained dependent on the political health of the king.