The French government has asked parliament to extend the country's state of emergency. France remains on high alert for terror attacks. 

"The bill that the government is asking you to examine tonight aims to renew once again - until July 15th, 2017 - the state of emergency initially decreed by the President of the Republic on the night of November 13th, 2015, in response to the attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis," said Bruno Le Roux, French Interior Minister.

Government to strengthen security measures

The lower house of parliament has passed the extension with 288 votes for, and 32 against. The upper house will also review the measure later on Thursday.

France is preparing for next year's presidential elections, and many celebrations are expected for Christmas and the New Year. Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux says more police and soldiers will be deployed to deter any attacks.

The country has suffered a series of deadly attacks, including the one in Paris last November that killed 130 people. And ISIL has called on its followers to carry out more attacks on French soil.