Economic Hit Man Series

09.28.07: Frenchman is Named New IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been formally named as the new head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Mr Strauss-Kahn was backed by Europe and the US, which dominate the IMF. Mr. Strauss-Kahn was visiting Chile when the IMF board decision was announced, in a symbolic gesture to show his desire to give emerging economies more of a voice in key decisions at the IMF.

 08.31.07: Frenchman Favorite to Head IMF

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a former French finance minister, is a favorite to be named as the new head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to succeed Rodrigo de Rato. Mr Strauss-Kahn was finance minister under socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin from 1997 to 1999 and played a key role in the introduction of the euro. There has been some concern that if Mr Strauss-Kahn is confirmed as Mr Rato's replacement, the heads of the European Central Bank, the World Trade Organization, the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and the IMF would all be French.

The IMF provides financial assistance and advice to many of the world's poorest countries and is charged with maintaining global financial stability. Some poorer countries complain that the IMF, like the World Bank, is dominated by a handful of rich countries and that its economic solutions are too rigid.

07.10.07: EU Tips Frenchman for IMF Top Job

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a former French finance minister, is the European Union's nomination to be head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF is traditionally led by a European, while the World Bank head is chosen by the United States. The IMF provides financial assistance and advice to many of the world's poorest countries and is charged with maintaining global financial stability. Some poorer countries complain that the IMF, like the World Bank, is dominated by a handful of rich countries and that its economic solutions are too rigid.

There has been some concern that if this nomination goes through, the heads of the European Central Bank, the World Trade Organization, the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and the IMF will all be French.

Wikipedia Dominique Strauss-Kahn

Dominique Strauss-Kahn was born on April 25, 1949 to a Jewish family from mixed Askhenazi and Sephardi origins, in the wealthy commune of Neuilly-sur-Seine. Neuilly is a wealthy suburb of Paris, immediately adjacent to Paris; it comprises mostly select residential neighborhoods and hosts the headquarters of many corporations. It is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Europe.

He spent part of his childhood in Agadir, Morocco, which he left after the 1960 earthquake to go to Monaco. He studied economics and political science at Paris Institute for Political Studies and business at HEC School of Management ranked the top Business School in Europe by the Financial Times of London. Furthermore, he obtained a degree in public law, as well as a Ph.D and an agrégation in economics. In 1977, Strauss Kahn became economics professor. He taught at the University of Nancy-II (1977-1980), at the University of Nanterre (since 1981) and the École nationale d'administration (ENA) administration school.