French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Monday opted to push through a contested budget bill without a vote in parliament.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has used special powers to push through a social security budget bill without a vote by MPs, in a move expected to trigger vote of no confidence in government. Opposition parties are now set to trigger that vote - which could take place as early as Wednesday - and which Barnier's minority government is unlikely

A collapse of the government could further unnerve financial markets since it would put a quick passage of the budget at risk.