Summary

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, just three months after his appointment by President Emmanuel Macron.

Opposition parties are uniting against Barnier after he used special powers to pass a controversial budget, including €60bn in tax hikes and spending cuts, without parliamentary approval.

France’s divided parliament, stemming from summer elections, has left Barnier’s minority government unable to govern effectively.

If ousted, Barnier will serve as caretaker PM while Macron, under pressure, selects a replacement, potentially prolonging France’s instability.