Swedes stand firm.

Yesterday Swedish finance minister Anders Borg answered a question from two MPs on the Swedish position on the selection process. “The Swedish government is of the opinion that the president of the World Bank, as well as the IMF, should be appointed in an open selection process, based on the merits and appropriateness of the candidates. This is of urgency for the future legitimacy of the institutions and to be able to ensure a responsible conduct and high effectiveness in their work. This is the position Sweden is taking in the board of the World Bank, which formally appoints the president, and it is the position I forward in my discussions with the representatives of other countries. I of course expect that the board will do a thorough and comprehensive assessment of nominated candidates.”  Who will save the day and put forward a non-Bush crony?