Barnier Risks Government Collapse With French Budget Gambit
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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier used a constitutional tool to push through parts of his unpopular budget bill without a parliamentary vote, raising the prospect lawmakers could dissolve his government within a matter of days.
The premier declared at the National Assembly on Monday that he would use Article 49.3, which allows for the adoption of the social security bill without a vote, but opens the door to no-confidence motions. A left-wing party said it would file a no-confidence motion imminently.