The coming weeks will see much media focus on possible candidates, from the toxic Larry Summers to the ever-present Trevor Manuel. But already comments from senior figures in governments are illustrating that it is the process of selection that really counts.
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner said yesterday that:
Choosing his words carefully he said that the US wanted the Bank board to follow an “open and expeditious” process. Note there was no mention of a “transparent”, “merit-based” or “fair” process. It’s in these moments that the choice of adjective becomes a political act, with serious implications.
In a contrast Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Liu Weimin was not as reserved in his choice of adjectives:
China’s emphasis on the process, and the stance of other emerging economies from the global south, will be crucial in how the board chooses Zoellick’s successor. Philippines Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima was optimistic on this point:
Brazillian finance minister Guido Mantega seemed to indicate that there is an “objective” to reform the process, although he wasn’t clear how hard emerging economies would push, or how united they would be in doing so:
As events unfold in the weeks ahead keep your eyes peeled for those adjectives, they tell an important story. And stay tuned to the blog for more analysis on what the emerging economies are up to, and whether we really will see a reformed process this time round.
China wants a say in World Bank choice
Financial Times:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/805a0ce2-58af-11e1-b9c6-00144feabdc0.html