Today sees the introduction of tough new measures for French government ministers, who will be required to make public details of their assets and sources of income by 15 April.

French members of parliament, heads of local government, and heads of administrative bodies will also be required to divulge details of their financial arrangements once a new law is passed later this year.

Under proposals for the new law, announced last week, a special commission will be set up that will verify the veracity of the declarations, and providing false information would be a criminal offence.

The moves follow the recent resignation of the French budget minister, Jerome Cahuzac, after he was placed under formal investigation for alleged tax fraud involving assets hidden in a secret Swiss bank account.

In a statement, French president Francois Hollande said: 'Elected officials must be respected, and transparency is what allows respect. The choices I have made will prevent the return of scandals that have harmed our country for too many years.'