France's budget deficit will be around 4.4% of GDP in 2014, drop to 4.3% next year, and will not go below 3% until 2017, he said.

 

Mr Sapin also lowered the country's growth projections³ for this year and next.

 

However, France was not requesting a change in European Union rules, he said at a press conference.

 

The country's lack of growth reflected "an economic reality" that affects Europe, Mr Sapin said.

 

Projections for growth were lowered from 0.7% to 0.4% in 2014, and down from 1.7% to 1% in 2015.

 

The government will maintain its current plan for 21bn euros (£17bn) of public spending savings⁴ in 2015 while not raising taxes during that year, he added.

 

France plans to cut public spending by 50bn euros by 2017.

 

The country has missed a number of budget deficit targets, and has struggled with high unemployment and low growth.

 

In August three French ministers resigned amid a bitter row over economic policy.

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