Bretton Woods Observer
IMF and World Bank complicit in ‘austerity as new normal’, despite availability of alternatives
UN organisations build consensus on need to expand fiscal space, as IMF and World Bank continue to push austerity.
IMF’s recognition of unpaid care work undermined by its own harmful policy advice
New IMF working paper establishes macro-criticality of unpaid care work but remains blind to Fund’s negative policy impacts on women…
Ease of Doing Business – what does it conceal?
As India has risen in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, it has seen other key development indicators…
Local communities oppose planned dam construction supported by World Bank in Manipur
World Bank supports hydropower building spree in Manipur, threatening local communities’ livelihoods in the process.
Reviews of World Bank Group’s accountability mechanisms too important to be done in secret
Civil society deeply concerned about lack of transparency and consultation in ongoing reviews of World Bank’s accountability mechanisms.
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.
IMF joins discussion on greening financial sector, as climate risks threaten macro-stability
Fund and central banks increasingly pondering macroeconomic policies to tackle climate risks.
New IMF head applauds Trumps tax reforms
IMF managing director hints at change to corporate tax agenda and softened relationship with US administration
Uprising and discontent: Global protests erupt against IMF-backed policies
From Latin America to North Africa and the Middle East, governments experience backlash against IMF loan programmes and policy recommendations.
Accountability Counsel launches key tool for accountability community
Accountability Console provides complete database of Independent Accountability Mechanism complaints.
US blocks IMF voting rights redistribution
Fund’s 15th review of quotas delayed as US blocks redistribution of voting rights.
IFC accountability mechanism investigates World Bank-funded for-profit schools
CAO initiates investigation following complaint related to IFC-funded Bridge International Academies in Kenya.
Civil society urges US Congress to hold IFC accountable before approving capital increase
CSOs express concerns at congressional hearing about pending IFC capital increase.
World Bank, IMF and EBRD push for controversial land reform in Ukraine
Ukraine passes contentious draft land reform law under pressure from World Bank, IMF and EBRD.
