Why did Charles de Gaulle support the direct election of the French president?

Charles de Gaulle supported the direct election of the French president primarily to consolidate his political position and strengthen the executive branch of the Fifth Republic.12

By 1962, following the resolution of the Algerian War, de Gaulle recognized that he was no longer considered "politically indispensable" and sought to secure a fresh mandate from the electorate to maintain his authority. He aimed to bypass the "system of parties" in the National Assembly, which he viewed as potentially hostile to his leadership.1

De Gaulle believed that a strong state required a leader with the power to make decisions, and he sought to ensure that his control over government policy was backed by the general public. By proposing a constitutional amendment for universal suffrage, he effectively offered voters a choice between his resignation and the acceptance of his vision for a stronger presidency. This move allowed him to bypass traditional parliamentary processes and establish a direct link between the president and the people, which he viewed as essential for restoring France’s status as a great power.1