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The American announced on Wednesday February 15 that he would leave his post by June 30, one year from the end of his term. He hasn’t given a specific reason, but he has recently come under fire from critics, accused of being a climate skeptic.
« World Bank Group President David Malpass today informed the Board of Executive Directors of his intention to step down by (…) June 30 “, announced the Washington institution in a press release.
Proposed by Donald Trump, of which he was Under-Secretary of the Treasury, this 66-year-old American took the reins of the institution in April 2019, for a period of five years. “ During (his) tenure, he focused on seeking stronger policies to increase economic growth, reduce poverty, improve living standards and reduce the burden of public debt said the World Bank in its statement.
« I am not a scientist »
David Malpass recently came under fire after being accused by former US Vice President Al Gore to be climatosceptic and failing to increase funding for climate projects in developing countries. During a round table organized by the New York Times the next day, David Malpass refused three times to say whether he recognized the role of fossil fuels in global warming. ” I am not a scientist “, he had finally declared, pressed by the public.
However, many member countries of the World Bank are pushing for the institution to be a driving force in matters, in particular, of climate change. And a reform of the institution, so that it better meets the financing needs of developing countries, was launched in October at the instigation of certain member countries, in particular the United States. ” I thank David Malpass for his service as President of the World Bank and for his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition “said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a statement.
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The World Bank Group is fundamentally sound, financially viable and well positioned to increase its development impact in the face of urgent 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 Boards of Directors “, he also underlined in a note sent to the teams of the World Bank, and which the AFP was able to consult.
Looking for a successor
The search for a successor will now be launched. An unspoken rule grants the management of the World Bank to an American, and that of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to a European. “ We will propose a candidate to lead the World Bank “Said Joe Biden’s minister again.
The arrival of David Malpass at the head of the institution in 2019 had raised concerns. He was then the only candidate to succeed South Korean Jim Yong Kim, who had also resigned. Founded in 1944, the World Bank, which supports development projects, today has 189 member states and more than 10,000 employees worldwide.
(With AFP)