Bretton Woods Observer
The IMF and World Bank-led Covid-19 recovery: ‘Building back better’ or locking in broken policies?
Early evidence suggests IMF programmes are maintaining long-term fiscal consolidation targets, while World Bank further continues Maximizing Finance for Development narrative amidst Covid-19 crisis.
The IMF’s role in the devastating impacts of Covid-19 – the case of Ecuador
IMF-backed austerity measures starved health sector prior to pandemic, yet Fund continues to prescribe devastating long-term fiscal consolidation.
World Bank must ensure new Africa energy strategy is inclusive and pro-poor
The Bank’s new Africa energy strategy offers it an important chance to mainstream achieving SDG7 into its energy lending on…
Fears of lawsuits at World Bank’s tribunal constrain efforts to fight pandemic
Covid-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for ICSID and wider ISDS reforms as cases threaten to undermine state efforts to…
“Godmother of austerity” appointment to World Bank chief economist post
Carmen Reinhart, co-author of influential 2010 pro-austerity paper, named to key post.
CSOs raise concerns about conflict of interest related to World Bank technical assistance loan in Guyana
Law firm contracted under World Bank technical assistance apparently backs out after CSOs expose links to ExxonMobil.
The World Bank, Covid-19 and public education: two steps forward one step back
World Bank’s new report on education and Covid-19 contrasts with IFC announcement on freezing private school investments.
IFC denies responsibility for community harms following CAO’s Guatemala dam investigation
IFC denies responsibility for harms to the community in dam case despite investigation findings.
Argentina increases offer to bondholders after IMF claims “room for improvement”
Private creditors provided with IMF backing in Argentina negotiations as country enters into default.
Concerns over labour rights resurface in IFC’s Covid-19 response
Joint letter to IFC chief executive officer raises questions on worker protections.
Failure to lend to Venezuela and Iran once again raises questions around IMF’s political neutrality
IMF fails to respond to loan requests from Iran and Venezula as they struggle to respond to increasing Covid-19 cases and deaths.
IMF and World Bank help push through contentious Ukraine land reform amid Covid-19 pandemic
Bank and Fund-backed land bill passed in dead of night during lockdown favouring private investors and Western agribusiness.
IFC CEO announces planned retirement
Philippe Le Houérou will depart 1 October, after joining IFC in 2015.
IMF watchdog releases Covid-19 tracker
Database launched on Covid-19-related IMF spending to help civil society keep track of lending programmes.
