In December the IMF executive board extended the temporary interest waiver on concessional loans to low-income countries (LICs) under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), until December 2014.
Debt
Finance
News
Turkey to repay IMF debts by April
The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, declared in September that "we will cut it [our $1.3 billion IMF debt] to zero by next April", according to Anatolia News Agency.
Conditionality
News
IMF-Zimbabwe relations tentatively resume
In September the IMF executive board praised Zimbabwe's efforts to repay its debts to the Fund and relaxed restrictions on technical assistance.
Finance
News
Bangladesh to raise VAT under IMF pressure
The Bangladeshi government is being pressured by the IMF's Asia and Pacific department officials to implement its recommendations, including raising the VAT rate, despite opposition from local civil society organizations.
Accountability
News
Pakistan loan talks despite debt cancellation calls
Talks between the IMF and Pakistan under post-programme monitoring resumed in September. Despite confidence amongst Pakistan officials in their country's capacity to repay its loans, the IMF fears the need for a second loan early next year
Social services
Analysis
IFIs' new "house of cards" in Central and Eastern Europe
IFIs are renewing their focus on Central and Eastern European states. This comes amidst fears that growth in the region needs to be rekindled. The World Bank has promised more funding for countries at risk of instability. However, IMF loans being negotiated with Romania and Hungary have met with controversy.
Conditionality
News
IMF controversy: is austerity backfiring?
The IMF's shift in stance regarding easing Greece's debt burden reflects a deepening controversy about whether austerity policies are counter-productive.
Finance
News
IMF and the Troika: three's a crowd?
The Troika has announced another Greek debt agreement, but disputes between the Fund and its Troika partners over debt reduction remain unresolved.
Infrastructure
Commentary
The IMF in Egypt: revolution or coming full circle?
The Egyptian government has finally concluded an initial loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following two years of continual negotiations.
Accountability
News
Bretton Woods Project submission to IEO evaluation
We are very pleased to see the IEO continue its excellent work reaching out to stakeholders, external parties and shareholders, while both considering its work programme and conducting evaluations. This is a vital component of the IEO’s approach that ensures well-informed and well-considered analysis.
Featured briefings
6 April 2022
The Bretton Woods Observer: Spring 2022
8 December 2021
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8 November 2021
IMF surveillance and climate change transition risks
New briefing by ActionAid USA and the Bretton Woods Project highlights research showing that IMF policy advice has undermined a just energy transition since the Paris Agreement was signed.