The French government is facing a no-confidence vote after Prime Minister Michel Barnier pushed through budget measures without parliamentary approval. If the measure passes on Wednesday, as is expected,

The move, intended to reduce France’s public-sector deficit from 6.1% of GDP to 5% through €60 billion in tax increases and spending cuts, has been heavily criticized from both political sides. French media have referred to the no-confidence vote as a "moment of truth" that could plunge the country into political uncertainty.