French Prime Minister Michel Barnier used Article 49.3 of the constitution on Monday to force his 2025 social security budget through parliament without a vote. The move, intended to bypass the opposition,

French borrowing costs rose above those of Greece on Monday for the first time, as Michel Barnier's government teetered on the brink of collapse, underlining a dramatic shift in how lenders view the creditworthiness of euro zone members.

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