The economist, who had been appointed for five years, will leave his post next June.
World Bank President David Malpass will step down by June 30 from his post as head of the development institution, he said in a statement on Wednesday. A 66-year-old American, this 13th president of the Washington institution informed the board of directors on Wednesday of his intention to leave this post, which he held for four years, the Bank’s statement said.
The World Bank Group “is fundamentally sound, financially viable and well positioned to increase its development impact in the face of pressing global crises”said David Malpass, quoted in the press release, seeing there “an opportunity for a smooth leadership transition». “As I pursue new challenges, I would like to thank all of our staff and our Boards of Directors”, underlined the American in a note sent to the teams of the World Bank. David Malpass has, during his four years in office, “focused on finding stronger policies to increase economic growth, reduce poverty, improve living standards and reduce the burden of public debt“, underlined the World Bank in its press release.
Read alsoWorld Bank pessimistic for global growth in 2023
In office since April 2019 following the choice of the Trump administration, the economist, who had been appointed for five years, therefore shortens his term. Last September, he was accused of being a climatosceptic, refusing to make the link between the production of fossil fuels and rising temperatures. After a question on the subject, David Malpass simply replied: “I am not a scientist“. A mistake that forced him to backpedal a few days later in a television interview.
SEE ALSO – ‘Now is the right time’: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon resigns