15 May 2007

As the World Bank board meets to discuss what is likely to be a negotiated departure for Paul Wolfowitz, ActionAid says that the World Bank president must go now, and that the US should no longer have the power to appoint his successor.

ActionAid policy officer, Romilly Greenhill said: "Wolfowitz must go. It is clear that his position has become untenable and it is no longer credible for him to continue in his current role.

"His departure is a golden opportunity for World Bank governors not to make the same mistake twice. The world neither wants nor needs another Bush appointee in this important position. Instead, it is vital that the next president of the bank should be chosen through a transparent and accountable process that is open to candidates from all nations. This is an appointment that should be based on merit, not on cronyism."