Her comments came after the government pledged to narrow the public deficit, covering central and regional government spending along with social welfare, from a record eight percent of GDP this year to six percent in 2011.

President Nicolas Sarkozy has also promised not to raise general taxation.

Lagarde told the FT that France was determined to "do whatever it takes" to hit the target. "That is a very, very strong commitment on the part of the president and the government," she said.

Last week, France also cut its growth forecast from 2.5 percent to two percent. Largarde also described this move as "realistic and prudent".