These efforts have come more into the open, lately, in the heated debate over Spain's deficit plans, and the publication of the latest IMF Fiscal Monitor.

BBC: President Hollande and the IMF

This reduces the risks of a renewed recession as governments continue to curb their spending, the IMF's Fiscal Monitor said.

BBC: US must tackle government deficit, says IMF report

According to the IMF's latest Fiscal Monitor, when you add their 6% of GDP deficit to the public debt that needs to be rolled over this year, France will need to raise an amount equivalent to more than 20% of their national income from the financial markets in 2011.

BBC: Eurozone growth: Comparing the UK with Europe

It would like them to pledge a fiscal stimulus equal to 2% of global GDP this year and next, and for the IMF to monitor compliance.

ECONOMIST: The G20