17 May 2011

17 May 2011

IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn agrees to forensic examination research about alleged sex attack on Manhattan hotel maid. Arrest Strauss-Kahn has prompted fears in Athens that have lost a strong advocate for economic recovery. Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei may visit with wife – the first contact with family or friends by the arrest of six weeks. Japanese authorities say they have terminated Fukushima nuclear reactors until the end of the year. Enable Egyptian authorities pro-Palestinian protestors. John Kerry to visit Pakistan for talks on counter-terrorism, Mississippi opened floodgates to save Baton Rouge and New Orleans. and more
Top of agenda: questions over the IMF amid Strauss-Kahn case

IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn agreed to undergo forensic examination for an investigation into an alleged sexual assault (FT) cleanliness in a luxury hotel in New York at the weekend. Strauss-Kahn's arraignment is scheduled to take place today. Strauss-Kahn, who denies the allegations, has so far considered a favorite for the Socialist candidate for the French Presidency in 2012. Analysts argue that the IMF Chief war (BBC) has been central in helping to stabilise the finances of the struggling Member States of the eurozone and to confirm that his detention is likely to complicate the process.

During the management of the IMF, Strauss-Kahn is widely credited with the expansion of resources of the company after the economic crisis (NYT) and improved governance. He was a prominent proponent of loosening austerity measures in Greece and his arrest has prompted fears in Athens, which may have lost a great advocate.

Plight of the Strauss-Kahn also also means being able to attend Monday's meeting of EU Finance Ministers in Brussels to give over a bailout package (DeutscheWelle) for the debt-stricken Portugal. However, a representative of the European Commission said the case should have no impact on plans bailout troubled euro zone States.

Analysis:

This article from the Economist examines how the affair Strauss-Kahn changes in the landscape of French policy and the policy of rescuing the Greek economy.

The editorial for the Wall Street Journal discusses the political consequences for France and the IMF.