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French MPs vote on constitution changes Paris attacks: French MPs back stripping of citizenship
(about 2 hours later)
French MPs are due to vote on a package of changes to the constitution, drawn up after November's attacks in Paris. French MPs have narrowly approved the first stage of a proposal to enable people convicted of terrorism offences to be stripped of their nationality.
The changes would give a new status under the constitution to the state of emergency which is currently in force. The measure is the most controversial change to the constitution drawn up after the 13 November attacks in Paris.
They would also controversially enact the right to strip terror convicts of their French nationality. France's National Assembly is due to vote on Wednesday on all the measures proposed by the government.
If the measures are approved in Wednesday's formal session, the package goes to the Senate - before a meeting of the joint houses of parliament. Emergency powers currently in force would be given a new status under the constitution.
President Francois Hollande promised these changes in the aftermath of the 13 November attacks in Paris by gunmen and suicide bombers who targeted a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars - leaving 130 people dead and hundreds wounded. The proposal to strip citizenship from offenders was carried by a margin of 162 to 148, after the government removed a reference to dual nationals born in France. That had aroused considerable opposition and prompted the resignation of Justice Minister Christiane Taubira.
If the overall package is approved in Wednesday's formal session, it will then go to the Senate. It will then require approval from a joint session of parliament by a three-fifths majority, a process likely to take weeks.
President Francois Hollande outlined the changes in the aftermath of the gun and bomb attacks by Islamist militants who targeted a concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars - leaving 130 people dead and hundreds more wounded.
But elements have been vociferously opposed by leading figures, including members of his own Socialist party.
The BBC's Hugh Schofield in ParisThe BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris
With the country united in grief and anxiety, the president said it was important to take tough action in what he called a "war" against terrorism.With the country united in grief and anxiety, the president said it was important to take tough action in what he called a "war" against terrorism.
Three months on, his vision of constitutional reform has run into the reality of partisan politics.Three months on, his vision of constitutional reform has run into the reality of partisan politics.
On the left - even within his own Socialist party - there is opposition to the proposal to strip terrorists of their French citizenship.On the left - even within his own Socialist party - there is opposition to the proposal to strip terrorists of their French citizenship.
In practice, these critics say, that could only apply to bi-nationals - people with a second nationality - which would make two tiers of citizenship.In practice, these critics say, that could only apply to bi-nationals - people with a second nationality - which would make two tiers of citizenship.
On the right there are voices saying the reforms are a meaningless diversion, giving the impression of government action against terrorism, where there is none in reality.On the right there are voices saying the reforms are a meaningless diversion, giving the impression of government action against terrorism, where there is none in reality.
The country's left-wing justice minister Christiane Taubira resigned two weeks ago, citing a "major political disagreement" with the government. She was among several political figures who objected to the government's proposals because they singled out those with dual nationality. Ms Taubira stood down a fortnight ago, citing a "major political disagreement" with the government over its plans for removing citizenship from those convicted of terror offences.
Government whips say they are confident of a majority in the lower house - but even if they are correct there is still a long parliamentary battle ahead. Even without a reference to bi-nationals, opponents say in effect it singles out dual-nationality French Muslims, as under international law, governments cannot make citizens stateless.
Under the terms of the state of emergency, police are allowed to raid homes and hold people under house arrest.
It expires on 26 February but the government wants the powers extended.
Who were the attackers?Who were the attackers?
Paris attacks: Who were the victims?Paris attacks: Who were the victims?
French MPs back emergency powers in lawFrench MPs back emergency powers in law
Under Article 1 of the constitutional reform proposals, MPs will have to approve a state of emergency beyond 12 days. This rule is already observed, but including it in the constitution is intended to protect it from legal challenges. Extension of powers
MPs have also backed an amendment requiring any extension beyond four months to be referred back to them. On Monday, lawmakers voted in favour of the other key measure in the package, the move to enshrine the state of emergency in the constitution, giving the security forces greater powers.
The chamber was only a quarter full during the vote on Tuesday. Out of the total of 577 deputies, 441 were absent. Under the terms of the state of emergency, police are allowed to raid homes and hold people under house arrest.
The house later voted through the proposal on nationality. The amendment does not mention dual nationality. It expires on 26 February but the government wants the powers extended.
In Wednesday's vote, under Article 1 of the constitutional reform proposals, MPs will have to approve a state of emergency beyond 12 days. This rule is already observed, but including it in the constitution is intended to protect it from legal challenges.
Government whips say they are confident of a majority in the lower house on Wednesday - but even if they are correct there is still a long parliamentary battle ahead.