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.”
New York Post claims that Wolfowitz has split up with partner Shaha Ali Riza. They also say that “a World Bank source” told them that Riza may be returning to the Bank after Wolfowitz officially steps down end June. Which gets wbp.org to thinking – who else of the Wolfowitz coterie is going to hang around and for how long? Continue reading
Washington thinktank, the Center for Global Development, has posted an online survey which allows respondents to rank nine potential candidates on their merits for the post, and to comment on what changes are needed to the process. Continue reading
Very quiet, so far. Reuters reports that “Brazil, South Korea, China and Pakistan were among a group of developing nations that called for a more transparent process for selecting the head of the bank.” Continue reading
This morning’s reports have the Wall Street Journal saying that Bill Frist, the former Senator from Tennessee, Senate Majority Leader, and healthcare tycoon, is “getting especially close scrutiny for the job” of World Bank president. Continue reading
According to a tip-off I just received from someone who needs to remain discreet, a new candidate in the running is Vasken Setrakian. Mr Setrakian is a former classmate of President Bush from Harvard, where they both did their MBA. He is also an ex-managing director at Brown Brothers Harriman and currently runs his own Investment firm in New York.
Seems like the Harvard Crimson, a university daily that is gloating today about how many World Bank prez candidates are alumni, will have to do an update.