Why did the Marquis de Lafayette oppose radical democrats during the French Revolution?

The Marquis de Lafayette opposed radical democrats during the French Revolution primarily because he was a staunch advocate for a constitutional monarchy and feared that further democratization would threaten social stability and property rights.1

While Lafayette supported the initial shift of power from the aristocracy to the bourgeoisie, he became increasingly concerned that the influence of radical elements would incite the lower classes to violence and undermine the rule of law. His commitment to a moderate political path was highlighted by his actions as commander of the national guard, where he sought to maintain order against revolutionary crowds. This tension culminated in the 1791 Champ de Mars incident, where his troops fired upon demonstrators demanding the king's abdication, an event that severely damaged his standing with the radical factions. Ultimately, Lafayette viewed the radicalization of the revolution as a danger to the state, leading him to attempt to suppress these groups before he was eventually forced to flee the country.21