Tide turning fast against Wolfowitz A Eurodad network member in Washington has heard rapidly building rumours that Wolfowitz is poised to make a resignation announcement at 6PM Washington time. In the Spring Meetings press room anticipation is growing keenly.

We are trying to get a read on the positions of different governments (hard because some officials may not be speaking for the government as a whole). But many seem to be hardening their lines. And the statement by government representatives at the Bank put out very late last night US time (after press deadlines) seems to demolish Wolfowitz's flimsy defence. (Though be warned it's written in officialese).

It finds that "the Ethics Committee, including its Chairman, had not been involved in the discussions with the concerned staff member. Neither did it find that the terms and conditions of the agreement had been commented on, reviewed or approved by the Ethics Committee, its Chairman or the Board. The Executive Directors will move expeditiously to reach a conclusion on possible actions to take. In their consideration of the matter the Executive Directors will focus on all relevant governance implications for the Bank".

It all sounds very bad for Wolfowitz now. I don't know if he's superstitious, but Friday 13th looks like being his last day in charge at the Bank.

This angle is also picked up on Air America Radio. Meanwhile readers may want to post comments on the BBC. On the BBC World Service website you can also give your views right now on the World Have Your Say programme. A quick skim shows 100% of the many posters there are urging Wolfowitz to step down or be fired. Sri Ram Aiyer, for example accuses the World Bank president of "abuse of authority in the extreme to show egregious favoritism to his partner, and two cronies from the Pentaton(K.Kellems and R.Cleveland) given Vice President salaries". Or how about this from Haider Meghjee? "An anti corruption drive cannot be led by a corrupt person.he was morally corrupt to begin with (Iraq war). He should have never been given this role. I hope bush does not nominate Rummy or Cheney for this position once wolfie is gone".

This blog will be on hand to chart the process for finding a successor if and when Wolfowitz falls on his sword. This really might be the moment when the US government sees sense and accepts reform of the Bank's anachronistic governance arrangements.

Alex Wilks ~ April 13, 2007

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