"The constitution which they are to be asked to approve is one which runs counter to many of traditions dearest to French democrats. The powers of the president are to be strengthened to a degree which earlier generations of French parliamentarians would never have admitted. In particular Article 14, which gives extended powers to the president in case of a national emergency could be used to establish a dictatorship."
"It is eighty-eight years since Jules Favre demanded the proclamation of the Republic at the Hotel de Ville in Paris, and fourteen since General de Gaulle refused a repeat performance on the grounds that the Republic had never ceased to exist, in spite of its abolition by Vichy. Now, after the Algerian insurrection of 13 May and the General's return to power, the moment is approaching when Frenchmen are to be asked to approve a radical overhaul of their institutions"
The Fifth Republic establishes a hybrid constitution combining a directly elected five-year president with a parliamentary system. The president can dissolve the National Assembly, call new elections, change prime ministers, and reshuffle the government. The constitution strengthens presidential powers, notably via Article 14's extended emergency authority that could enable dictatorship. The Chamber's authority is diminished and laws are subject to constitutional court approval. The constitution aims to limit the effects of universal suffrage and resembles a transitional regime. The referendum of 28 September follows the Algerian insurrection of 13 May and the General's return to power.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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