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.

French lawmakers are to hold a vote of no confidence on Wednesday to decide on the future of the centre-right government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. From 4 pm (1500 GMT), two motions are to be debated and voted on in the National Assembly - France's lower house - submitted by the left-wing camp and the far-right nationalists around Marine Le Pen.

If Barnier’s government falls, it would be the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962, when President Charles de Gaulle’s government was overthrown. Barnier’s government would also be the shortest in the history of France’s Fifth Republic, which began in 1958.