French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve says 17 attacks have been thwarted in the country so far this year and he is asking Parliament to extend the state of emergency until July 15.
Speaking after an extraordinary cabinet meeting, Cazeneuve said Saturday that Parliament will vote on the bill next week.
He said the extension for seven more months 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”.
The newly appointed prime minister said the “terrorist threat” remains “at a particularly high level” in France and neighbouring European countries. The threat – he described as an “imminent peril” – is still closely linked to the actions of the Islamic State group, he said.
