France seeks to extend state of emergency until July next year: PM Bernard Cazeneuve

Paris: The French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Saturday said that he is asking Parliament to extend a state of emergency in place in the country until July 15 while adding that at least 17 attacks have been thwarted in France so far this year.

Speaking after an extraordinary cabinet meeting, Cazeneuve said on Saturday that Parliament will vote on the bill next week.

He said the extension is "absolutely necessary" to ensure the highest possible level of protection in the country in the context of next spring's presidential and general elections.

Cazeneuve said the electoral period with multiple political meetings and gatherings may increase the risk of attacks by "those who want to strike our democratic values and republican principles at the heart."

France has been under a state of emergency since the deadly Paris attacks on November 13, 2015.