Prime Minister Michel Barnier pushed a budget bill through the lower house of Parliament without a vote. A no-confidence vote could topple the government.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has invoked a special constitutional tool to push through the controversial 2025 austerity budget without a parliamentary vote.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has used special powers to push through a social security budget bill without a vote by MPs, in a move expected to trigger vote of no confidence in government. Opposition parties are now set to trigger that vote - which could take place as early as Wednesday - and which Barnier's minority government is unlikely