From colleagues in Sweden, the response from the ministry of finance regarding their position on the leadership selection process: “The swedish (and nordic/baltic) position is very clear, the presidents of the World Bank and the IMF should be appointed in a transparent process, based on qualifications and suitability. This question is central to secure the legitimacy of the institution and that the governance agrees with swedish policy regarding recruitment to international institutions. This will be our position when the process of appointment now starts.”

The Dutch and the Nordics are doing the right thing. Angela, Gordon – what’s your excuse?

French colleague Jean Merckaert, who works at CCFD writes from Paris this morning with another intriguing suggestion: “Jacques Chirac left the Elysée Palace one week ago. In his last speech as President he promised to keep active on development, environment and Africa. French media mentionned the project of a Chirac Foundation on sustainable development, with Michel Camdessus as an advisor… is that another name for the World Bank? If the World Bank presidency conferred judicial immunity he might be interested. And if governments want to take advantage of Wolfie’s resignation to put an end to the fight against corruption, then it could be a deal!” George Bush might take some persuading to put this old European on the shortlist, but if other former presidents and prime ministers are being discussed, why not Chirac?

Colleagues in France have reminded us of this somewhat enigmatic response to a question whether France would push for opening up the process of leadership selection. It came from a French government spokesperson at a press conference before the Wolfowitz resignation. Continue reading →

Japanese finance minister Koji Omi told US treasury secretary Henry Paulson that “it will be most appropriate that a successor should be selected from the US, which holds world leadership.”

Another quiet knife has been stuck into the gentleman’s agreement which has until now given the U.S. government the right to appoint the World Bank president. The Brazilian government representative at the Bank – Otaviano Canuto – has asked that the process of selecting the new Bank chief be opened up. In a note to colleagues on the board, he said the board should be allowed to chose between more than one candidate, based on merit. The board meets today to consider the process for selecting the new president. Continue reading →