What happens if the French government falls?

Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked a rare constitutional power to push through his budget without parliament’s approval.

He triggered Article 49.3 to force through a contentious new social security budget.

The budget is controversial among both the Left and Right-wing parties in France .

Mr Barnier had hoped to force his budget through parliament after making concessions to parties on both the Right and the Left .

But the concessions were not enough for either the New Popular Front , an alliance of several Left-wing.

The alliance had vowed to vote against the government.

It has an executive, legislative and judicial branch, like the United States , but in France the prime minister is appointed by the president, rather than the public. The French prime minister is then answerable to parliament, who can oust him or her through a vote of no-confidence. The system means the prime minister must work with both the president and MPs to implement domestic legislation. However, the president retains all control over foreign policy. Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day 's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week..