The birth of France’s Fifth Republic – archive, October 1958

The GuardianWednesday, October 8, 2025 at 10:55:56 AM
The birth of France’s Fifth Republic – archive, October 1958
On October 4, 1958, France marked a significant milestone by adopting the constitution of the Fifth Republic, a pivotal moment that shaped its modern governance. This new system, crafted by Charles de Gaulle and Michel Debré, introduced a hybrid constitution featuring a directly elected president and a parliamentary framework. The Fifth Republic empowers the president to dissolve the national assembly and call for new elections, ensuring a dynamic political landscape. This change not only stabilized France after years of political turmoil but also laid the groundwork for its contemporary democratic structure.
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