One of Sweden’s largest newspapers, SvD Brannpunkt, ran a comment on Wednesday demanding changes in the process for selecting the president of the Bank. For those of you who don’t read Swedish, translation of key points from a colleague at Forum Syd follows. Continue reading →

The Washington Post, quoting “senior US administration officials” said it was “unlikely the administration will settle on a former senator, suggesting that such a profile does not ensure competence in overseeing the Bank”. Continue reading →

If you like on-line consultations, here’s another one. With admirable dry humour the World Bank’s civil society team this week issued the following announcement, making no mention of the governance melt-down at the top of their institution.

“Please note that the deadline to provide web feedback to seek further comments to help inform the development of the governance and anti-corruption implementation plan has been extended to Wednesday, May 30″. Continue reading →

The survey which was launched last Tuesday by CGD has just published its primary results on reforming the process for selecting the president of the World Bank. Continue reading →

Reuters reports that South African finance minister Trevor Manuel signalled on Wednesday that he was not interested in succeeding Wolfowitz and added that he had not been approached directly about the job. Manuel couldn’t resist the opportunity for a well-deserved dig at the Americans: “I am a proud South African and the Americans see the World Bank’s presidency as their birthright.”