French government heading towards collapse

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier used the controversial Article 49.3 of the French Consitution to force the adoption of next year's social security budget plan. In retaliation, opposition parties from the left and far right are threatening his government with a no-confidence vote.

French president downplays economic risks triggered by likely government collapse on Wednesday

The crisis erupted when Barnier invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the government's social security budget without a parliamentary vote