Christine Lagarde used to run a Chicago law firm before she got a phone call asking her to join the French government.

Now as France's Finance Minister she is spearheading a series of economic reforms designed to get France working harder.

Owen Bennett-Jones asks her whether she will be able to influence a culture which traditionally values its civilised way of life above money.

And whether the financial crisis will block her progress.

First broadcast 18th July 2008