China calls for "democratic consultation" in selection of IMF head

BEIJING | Wed May 25, 2011 11:41pm EDT

BEIJING May 26 (Reuters) - China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday said that any decision on who should head the International Monetary Fund "should be made through democratic consultation," in answer to a question about French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde's candidacy.

The faxed statement from the Ministry, in response to a question about China's position on who should head the IMF, also repeated Beijing's position that senior management of the organisation "should enhance representation of the emerging market countries and reflect changes in the world economy."

But the statement did not say directly whether China endorses or opposes Lagarde, or possibly the other declared candidate, Mexican Central Bank Governor Agustin Carstens.

They are competing to succeed Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who faces charges of sexual assault and resigned from the position. (Reporting by Chris Buckley and Zhou Xin; Editing by Ken Wills)

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Comments (2)
YesterdaysWine wrote:
Hilarious. Totalitarian regime wants democracy. Give it to your own people, then we’ll talk.

May 25, 2011 12:35am EDT  --  Report as abuse
spolly123 wrote:
So NOW China wants democratic selection of leaders. How do you say “hypocrisy” in Mandarin?

May 26, 2011 1:42am EDT  --  Report as abuse
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