Bretton Woods Observer
The political cost of IMF programmes
As Jordan is engulfed in social unrest and political upheaval, questions are raised around the relationship between IMF conditionality and trends in instability.
The World Bank and the globalisation of housing finance
In prioritising capital market expansion, the needs of the lowest income groups are not being effectively addressed through World Bank…
The IMF’s approach to social protection and the crisis of multilateralism
UN Special Rapporteur publishes report on IMF and social protection, calls on Fund to practice what it preaches.
Pro-business agenda drives World Bank’s report on the future of work
As the World Bank publishes a report calling for labour market deregulation, global trade unions fight back.
US Supreme Court to hear case challenging IFC’s claim to absolute immunity
Court’s decision on IFC’s legal immunity in the Tata Mundra coal-fired power plant case will set important precedent
World Bank DPL paves way for offshore drilling in Guyana, despite CSO concerns
Bank approves $35 million development policy loan to help Guyana commence offshore drilling, amidst CSO legal challenge to offshore drilling permits
Mozambique and the IMF’s get out of jail free card
Joseph Hanlon asks where the accountability for the Mozambique debt crisis lies and why the poor are once again paying the costs.
Bad news for Argentina: The cruel IMF is back
As Argentina agrees to a $50 billion IMF loan, the ghost of loans past lingers, as protests erupt and strikes begin.
Privatised profits, socialised losses: European reports call World Bank’s PPP push into question
Reports expose the scale of damage caused by PPPs, adding weight to broader concerns around the Bank’s aggressive promotion of them.
IEO fragility report: IMF less concerned with “making a real difference on the ground”
IEO produces fragility evaluation on IMF and finds major staff incentive issues and other concerns, questioning Fund’s credibility of its commitments in this area.
IEG findings cast doubt on Bank’s ability to deliver on general capital increase
New IEG report raises questions about the Bank’s ability to use findings from evaluations to inform its operations.
World Bank general capital increase to be formalised in October
World Bank board to formalise contentious general capital increase at October Annual Meetings
World Bank announces two new appointments
Pinelopi Goldberg joins as the Bank’s chief economist and Imrana Jalal as the new chairperson of the Inspection Panel
IFC takes its first steps to address Bujagali dam complaints
IFC announces preliminary measures to address CAO complaints regarding Uganda’s Bujagali dam, as project receives WBG refinancing boost.
Development banks pump more money into Southern Gas Corridor, despite fresh concerns
EBRD approves €500 million loan for TAP, as Italy announces it will review its support for project
World Bank releases revised ESF Guidance Notes for Borrowers
Despite improvements, notes still contain gaps in key areas including human rights and climate action
