Prime Minister Michel Barnier had to use Article 49.3 of the French constitution to get his controversial plan for spending cuts and tax hikes through

France is facing the prospect of the collapse of its government amid a row over how to tackle the country’s large budget deficit.Marine Le Pen’s party has threatened to bring down Michel Barnier’s administration in a row over tax rises and spending cuts.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier pushed a budget bill through the lower house of Parliament without a vote. A no-confidence vote this week could topple him and his cabinet.