French government faces first major test over deep budget cuts

Bill aims to find 60bn to plug deficit but opposition parties could demand concessions and even topple the administration

The new French government is facing its first major test in a hostile parliament as it tries to push through an austerity budget of spending cuts and tax increases on the wealthy and big companies aimed at saving 60bn (50bn) and reining in a ballooning fiscal deficit.

The rightwing prime minister, Michel Barnier - who was appointed last month by Emmanuel Macron in an attempt to end the political paralysis following an inconclusive snap election - said France was facing a debt crisis and had to act.