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

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Monday pushed through his social security budget without a vote in the National Assembly, making use of executive powers in a move likely to prompt a vote of no confidence in his minority government.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier used a constitutional tool to push through parts of his unpopular budget bill without a parliamentary vote, raising the prospect lawmakers could dissolve his government within a matter of days.