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.