/ world today news/ The director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, will run for a second term in office after winning strong support from a number of countries in Europe.
“Yes, I am running for a second term,” said the former French finance minister in an interview with the France 2 channel.
Her term expires in July. As of yesterday, the IMF is already accepting new nominations.
After leading the fund through some of its toughest economic challenges, Lagarde has won strong support from Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands. So far, the US has also positively evaluated her performance, but without giving her official support.
However, her plans for another term could run into potential difficulties – she could face a French court over her role in a banking scandal dating back to before she became IMF director.
In December, authorities began formally investigating her in connection with the scandal involving businessman Bernard Tapie, who received a significant payout from the state over his dispute with a state-owned bank while Lagarde was minister.
So far, no other names have been floated as potential candidates, although the IMF will accept applications until February 10, and a final decision on a director will be known by March 3.
In 2011, Lagarde, 60, easily won the post in a race with candidates from several developing countries. /AFP
Washington / USA
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