FRENCH Prime Minister Michel Barnier sparked today the prospect of a vote of no confidence in his government later this week after forcing through a social security financing plan.

Mr Barnier, from the tiny right-wing Republicans, was imposed on the country as prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron following elections which saw the left coalition, the New Popular Front, forming the largest bloc and the far-right National Rally becoming the largest single party.

The PM resorted to using executive powers to adopt the Bill without a vote, a procedure outlined under Article 49.3 of the French constitution. 

Mr Barnier is now likely to face a no-confidence vote that could force him out of power.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right NR party said today that without further concessions it would likely announce a censure motion by the end of the day.

The NPF had already announced its intention to propose a motion of no confidence if the prime minister forced through the budget without a vote.

National secretary of the French Communists Fabien Roussel said: “The two-step between Barnier and Le Pen continues.”

He added that this situation had come about “because Le Pen decided to endorse Barnier.”