Donald Trump backs World Bank critic as US choice to lead it
David Malpass has called for reforms to the lender.
US President Donald Trump has said Treasury Department official David Malpass is his choice to lead the World Bank.
Mr Trump introduced Mr Malpass as the “right person to take on this incredibly important job”.
Mr Malpass, a staunch critic of the 189-nation lending institution, said he was honoured by the nomination.
Key goals, he said, would be to implement changes to the bank that he and US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin helped negotiate, and to ensure women achieved full participation in developing economies.
Mr Malpass would succeed Jim Yong Kim, who departed in January three years before his term was due to end.
Other candidates are likely to be nominated for the post by the bank’s member countries.
The bank’s board will take the final decision about who will become its new president.
In a nod to the president’s daughter and adviser, Ivanka Trump, Mr Malpass said he would focus on improving the status of women.
“A key goal will be to ensure that women achieve full participation in developing economies,” Mr Malpass said.
“I know Ivanka has been a strong leader on women’s economic empowerment, and I look forward to continuing our work together on her women’s global development and prosperity initiative.”
