An actuator for controlling the movement of an element between two stable positions with pulsed electrical control without a change in polarity comprises: a ferromagnetic mobile mass, at least one electrically controlled wire coil that is fixed with respect to the mobile mass, at least two ferromagnetic poles that are fixed with respect to the mobile mass and on either side of the mobile mass. The actuator comprises at least one permanent magnet that attracts the mobile mass in order to achieve the two stable positions. The mobile mass defines, with the ferromagnetic poles, at least two variable air gaps during the movement of the mobile apparatus. The magnetic flux of the permanent magnet opposes the magnetic flux generated by the at least one coil regardless of the position of the mobile mass.