Prime Minister Michel Barnier will most likely remain as a caretaker until a replacement is named. But the vote could further unsettle credit markets and create a wider opening for the far right.

French lawmakers will vote Wednesday on a no-confidence motion that is widely expected to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, as the country grapples with a deepening political crisis and massive budget deficit.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has lost a vote of no confidence. It follows Mr Barnier's decision to use special powers to force a social security budget through the lower house of parliament without a final vote after a last-minute concession was not enough to win support from the far-right National Rally (RN).