French government risks falling after budget row

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is pushing through the government’s social security budget without a vote in parliament.

Lacking a majority, Barnier used executive powers to force the legislation through without a vote.

Now he risks being deposed when several parties are expected to raise a no-confidence vote, French media reports.

– It is now up to you. . . to decide whether our country should have a budget law that is responsible, indispensable and useful for our French citizens, or whether we should venture into unknown territory, Barnier told parliamentarians.