Erik Solheim calls Wolfowitz’s resignation right and necessary

Last night the World Bank announced that Paul Wolfowitz would resign as head of the organisation. International Development Minister Erik Solheim is of the view that Mr Wolfowitz’s decision was right and necessary.

  “For me the most important thing is that heads of international organisations such as the World Bank conduct themselves in a way that inspires the confidence of the member countries and the staff. The situation at the Bank had progressed to the point that it was difficult to see how confidence in the current leadership could be restored. Therefore, in my opinion, Mr Wolfowitz’s decision to resign as president was right and necessary,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.

The Nordic and Baltic countries hold one of the 24 seats on the Board of Executive Directors. This seat is currently held by Norway, represented by Svein Aass.

“Now it is important that we put this behind us. We must do what we can to ensure that confidence in the World Bank as an institution is rapidly restored so that the Bank can once more concentrate on the work of combating poverty. It is important that we continue to build on what Paul Wolfowitz has helped to achieve, e.g. putting corruption high on the agenda and focusing on development in Africa. This necessary change of leadership must not be allowed to change these priorities,” said Mr Solheim.

Press contact: Head of Information Roy Freddy Andersen, tel.: +47 9061 0530