UNDER De Gaulle's new constitution, the President, who under the Fourth Republic was largely a figurehead, becomes in the Fifth the fountainhead of power.
De Gaulle will undoubtedly become that President in December (he has absolute emergency powers, without hindrance, as Premier in the meantime). The constitutional President will have the authority to appoint—and discharge—Premiers who "shall direct the operation of the government" and "ensure the execution of the laws." The President will sign ordinances and decrees, negotiate and ratify treaties, control the appointments to civil and military posts. He is empowered to...
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