The move, intended to reduce France’s public-sector deficit from 6.1% of GDP to 5% through €60 billion in tax increases and spending cuts, has been heavily criticized from both political sides. French media have referred to the no-confidence vote as a "moment of truth" that could plunge the country into political uncertainty.

French lawmakers are to hold a vote of no confidence on Wednesday to decide on the future of the centre-right government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. From 4 pm (1500 GMT), two motions are to be debated and voted on in the National Assembly - France's lower house - submitted by the left-wing camp and the far-right nationalists around Marine Le Pen.

The toppling of the Michel Barnier-led government after just three months in office would present President Emmanuel Macron with an unenviable dilemma over how to go forwards and who to appoint in his place.

Michel Barnier's appointment comes after Macron and his Centrist Alliance faced a major loss in the legislative assembly elections.

The French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has said it is "possible" he could survive a no-confidence vote in his minority government. Opposition parties have tabled the motion to oust the former Brexit negotiator after he used special powers to force through his budget without a vote.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier plans to force his budget through without a vote in parliament. Doing so risks a confidence vote in his minority government instead.

French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Antoine Armand speaks during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, November 26, 2024. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - France is at a turning point due to uncertainty over the country's budget and the future of the government,

France's Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces the biggest risk yet of being deposed by a hostile parliament as his government presents Monday a social security financing plan that has the opposition up in arms.

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

Barnier opted to push through controversial reforms to social security by invoking presidential decree after failing to win enough support for the measures. One left wing French MP told the BBC the move had left France in "deep,