France's minority government is on the brink of collapse after Prime Minister Michel Barnier used special powers to force through his budget without a vote in parliament. Furious opposition parties said they would back a no-confidence motion to oust the former Brexit negotiator in a vote that could take place as early as Wednesday.

Michel Barnier expressed hope for a 'reflex of responsibility' during a television interview when asked about his government's chances of surviving Wednesday's no-confidence vote in parliament.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Tuesday said it was possible his government could survive a no confidence vote in parliament, evoking a possible "reflex of responsibility" from MPs.