The French government yesterday sought to head off a row with other European governments after President Nicolas Sarkozy called for a club of eurozone leaders with a permanent chairman to strengthen the bloc's role in tackling the financial crisis.

"It is not a question for now," said Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Europe minister, referring to the question of chairmanship. Ministers and presidents of the 15-member eurozone first had to discuss whether they would meet together regularly, Mr Jouyet added.