The French government is on the verge of collapse, with prime minister Michel Barnier set to face a no-confidence vote on Wednesday after he used special constitutional powers to push through a social security budget bill.
Both the far-right National Rally (RN) and an alliance of left-wing parties – comprising the Socialists, Greens, far left and Communist party – have said they will vote for a no-confidence motion against Mr Barnier, which was lodged on Monday afternoon. That will force the resignation of Mr Barnier after just two and a half months in post.
