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EU

IFI governance

Analysis

Democratic deficit in World Bank presidential appointment: Where is the evolution?

The World Bank Group needs to address its democratic deficit and lack of accountability. As it prepares to elect a new president and implement its “evolution roadmap”, it should use these key opportunities to embrace a profound reform.

5 April 2023

Infrastructure

Analysis

World Bank and IMF influence casts shadow over South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership

World Bank’s support for fossil fuel projects, including problem-riddled Medupi coal power station, leaves its reputation in tatters with South African civil society.

8 December 2022

Rights

News

A new SDR allocation: Combatting deepening fragility concerns

The links between high debt burdens, lack of climate finance, austerity and the rise in political instability and fragility, conflict and violence remain largely neglected as IMF shareholders consider calls for a new SDR allocation, as proposed by the Bridgetown Agenda.

8 December 2022
Protesters in Washington DC during 2021 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings. Credit: Phi Pasqualini/ Shutterstock

Finance

Commentary

Quota reform needed at IMF in order to address 21st century challenges

As economic conditions worsen and the Fund's legitimacy comes under increasing pressure, IMF leaders gathering for the Annual Meetings must make progress on ongoing review of IMF quotas and agree a more equitable formula and distribution of voting power.

4 October 2022 | Guest comment

Finance

Analysis

A new Bretton Woods for whom? Civil society calls for democratisation of global governance

As geopolitical tensions rise amidst worsening global economic conditions, civil society demands the democratisation of a world economic order away from the established Global North and elite capitalist hegemony.

21 July 2022

IFI governance

Analysis

Spring Meetings 2020 wrap-up: Will this change everything? Apparently not…

Analysis of this year's World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings: With international response to Covid-19 mired in geopolitical manoeuverings and resistance to systemic change, calls for alternatives grow.

21 April 2020
Civil society groups call for the World Bank to stop financing fossil fuels outside its 2019 Annual Meetings in October

Environment

News

EIB rules out most fossil fuel funding from 2021, setting new benchmark for MDBs

New energy policy sees European Investment Bank end support for unabated coal, oil and gas from 2021.

12 December 2019
Illustration Observer Summer 2019

IFI governance

Analysis

Here we go again: Surprise IMF leadership change litmus test for its legitimacy

Lagarde resignation kicks-off another leadership race overshadowed by gentleman’s agreement.

30 July 2019
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Other news

Finance

News

A different ‘evolution roadmap’: Havana conference calls for changes in world order hierarchy

As IMF and World Bank tinker at margins, 50 policymakers, diplomats and academics from over 26 countries issue Havana Declaration calling for an assertion of Southern power and the building of a new "planetary bloc".

5 April 2023

Finance

Background

Taxing to Develop: International Taxation Challenges for Africa

Notes from the IMF and World Bank 2019 Spring Meetings official session on 14 April on international taxation challenges in Africa. 

18 April 2019 | Minutes

Conditionality

News

World Bank and IMF prepare Tunisia loan programmes

As the IMF initiates negotiations with Tunisia, concerns have been expressed that renewed reforms will not be inclusive or target deep-seated economic and social issues.

5 April 2016

Social services

News

Troika in Cyprus: privatisation outrage

The Cyprus government nearly fell in February over IMF and European demands for the privatisation of three public utilities.

31 March 2014

Conditionality

News

IMF embroiled in Ukraine crisis

Ukraine’s interim government concluded negotiations in late March for an IMF loan, likely to carry wide-ranging conditionality.

31 March 2014

IFI governance

News

Revolving doors: Portugal ex-minister appointed at the IMF

Former Portuguese finance minister, dubbed "fourth member of the Troika" appointed to head IMF fiscal affairs department.

31 March 2014

IFI governance

Background

Is the European recovery finally under way?

CEPR event at the 2013 civil society forum on whether a recovery is under way in Europe; held as a debate between Prakash Loungani of the IMF's research department and Mark Weisbrot, CEPR co-director.

13 October 2013 | Minutes

IFI governance

Background

Austerity and Inequality in Europe

Minutes from Oxfam-hosted civil society seminar at 2013 Annual meetings on European austerity and inequality

12 October 2013 | Minutes
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