French parliament votes in support of a broader climate bill to protect the environment
PARIS, March 16 (Reuters) - France's National Assembly voted on Tuesday to enshrine the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity in the constitution, the first step towards a national referendum on the matter.
Lawmakers in the lower house voted 391 to 47 in support of a broader climate bill, which includes the provision.
Macron promised the opportunity to reference protecting the environment and tackling climate change in the constitution in December, under fire from left-wing factions of his centrist party for failing to do enough to combat global warming.
"This text represents the real opportunity to hold the referendum promised by the president," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told the assembly.
However, the Senate must also back the provision for a referendum to be organised. The higher chamber is dominated by conservatives and is more resistant to the proposal.
The draft law would amend Article 1 of the constitution so that it includes the line: "(The constitution) guarantees the preservation of the environment and biodiversity and the fight against climate change."
France's Green Party has gained momentum over the past two years, drubbing Macron's ruling party in regional elections last summer. Macron loyalists worry the Greens could erode his base of support on the political left in the 2022 presidential vote.
(Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau, Editing by Richard Lough)
