# Fifth Republic constitution approved by referendum (1958)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1958-fifth-republic-constitution-approved-by-referendum
Location: France
Categories: main-event

Voters approved a constitution strengthening executive authority. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is René Coty (President of the French Republic). Fifth Republic constitution approved by referendum mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Fifth Republic constitution approved by referendum mattered because it changed the legal or constitutional framework within which French institutions and citizens operated.

Ruler at the time: [René Coty](https://history-france.com/rulers/rene-coty)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Fifth Republic constitution approved by referendum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Fifth+Republic+constitution+approved+by+referendum&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Fifth Republic constitution approved by referendum](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Fifth+Republic+constitution+approved+by+referendum)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)