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

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

By Elizabeth Pineau and Dominique Vidalon PARIS (Reuters) -French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Monday he would try to ram a social security bill through parliament without a vote, leaving him more vulnerable than ever to being toppled in a no-confidence vote by far-right and leftist rivals.