Coup de théâtre at the World Bank. Its president David Malpass announced Wednesday that he would leave his post by June 30, a year early, in the midst of reform of this Bretton Woods institution, and at a time when it is under pressure to do more on the climate issue. The reasons for this choice have not been specified.

David Malpass, 66, is the 13th president of the World Bank. Proposed by Donald Trump, this American had taken the reins in April 2019, for a period of five years. "During (his) mandate, he focused on seeking stronger policies to increase economic growth, reduce poverty, improve living standards and reduce the public debt burden," the institution said.

Malpass accused of being a climate sceptic

The World Bank Group "is fundamentally sound, financially viable and well positioned to increase its development impact in the face of urgent global crises," Malpass said, calling it "an opportunity for a smooth transition of leadership." "As I pursue new challenges, I want to thank all our staff and boards," he said in a note sent to World Bank teams.

David Malpass has recently come under fire after being accused by former US Vice President Al Gore of being a climate sceptic and failing to scale up climate finance in developing countries. At a panel discussion organized by the New York Times the next day, David Malpass refused three times to say whether he recognized the role of fossil fuels in global warming. "I'm not a scientist," he finally declared, pressed by the public.

However, many World Bank member countries are pushing for the institution to be a driving force in terms of, among other things, climate change. And a reform of the institution, to make it more responsive to the financing needs of developing countries, was launched in October under the impetus of some member countries, including the United States. The first phase of implementation is expected to begin in April.

The search for a successor will now be launched. An unspoken rule grants the leadership of the World Bank to an American, and that of the International Monetary Fund to a European. "The United States looks forward to the Executive Board establishing a transparent, merit-based, and expeditious nomination process for the next World Bank president," said U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. "We will nominate a candidate to lead the World Bank," she added.

Created in 1944, the World Bank, which supports development projects, now has 189 member states and more than 10,000 employees worldwide.

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