Why did Charles de Gaulle favor a strong presidency in the Fifth Republic?

Charles de Gaulle favored a strong presidency in the Fifth Republic because he held a firm conviction that a stable state required a leader with the authority to make decisive actions.1

His preference for a powerful executive was rooted in his belief that the parliamentary systems of the past were unworkable and prone to obstruction by "the system of parties," which he viewed as potentially hostile to his goals. By establishing an office with formidable powers—such as the ability to dissolve the National Assembly and call for referenda—de Gaulle sought to ensure that the president could bypass parliamentary gridlock and maintain a direct mandate from the public.2134

Ultimately, de Gaulle viewed this strong executive role as essential to restoring France to the status of a great power and maintaining national unity during times of crisis, such as the Algerian War.1