A control device for controlling electrical switchgear such as a circuit breaker or the like includes an actuating arm having a connection point suitable for being moved along a closed line including points P1, P2 and P3. The connection point thus moves during an opening stage for opening the moving contact, under the effect of a mechanical spring from point P1 to point P2. It also moves during a re-cocking stage for re-cocking the mechanical spring under the effect of a motor being switched on, and while keeping the moving contact in the open position, from point P2 to point P3. It also moves during a closure stage for closing the moving contact, also under the effect of the motor being switched on, from point P3 to P1. In this manner it is possible to successively perform three distinct stages of putting the actuating arm in motion, between the instant at which the moving contact leaves its closed position and the instant at which it returns thereto after having occupied its open position. A re-cocking stage for re-cocking the mechanical spring that is distinct from the closing stage and from the opening stage for closing and opening the moving contact, is performed, with the opening stage to be performed merely by releasing the energy that has been previously accumulated by the spring.