IMF board backs Georgieva after review of data-rigging claims

The 24-member board reached the decision on October 11 after marathon meetings over the past week, where members debated the future of Ms. Georgieva, a Bulgarian economis

The International Monetary Fund's executive board on October 11 expressed its full confidence in Managing Director after reviewing allegations that she pressured World Bank staff to alter data to favor China.

But Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen put Ms. Georgieva on notice that she would closely monitor the IMF's follow-up and evaluate any new facts or findings, and called for proactive steps to reinforce data integrity and credibility at the IMF.

The Fund's 24-member board and Treasury issued separate lengthy statements after a week of marathon meetings over Georgieva's actions as World Bank CEO that threw into question her continued leadership of the IMF. The 24-member board reached the decision after marathon meetings over the past week, where members debated the future of Ms. Georgieva, a Bulgarian economist and the first person from a developing country to head the fund. She welcomed the board's endorsement in a separate statement of her own and she said was pleased its members had agreed the allegations against her were unfounded.