Hillary Clinton’s staff is denying a Reuters news report that the secretary of state wants to be president of the World Bank.
Reuters reported that Clinton has discussed with the Obama administration and made clear to the World Bank her interest in succeeding World Bank president, Robert Zoellick, when his term expires in mid-2012. It is unclear whether or not Zoellick intends to seek a second term.
Meanwhile, the Guardian newspaper is reporting Clinton’s spokesman, Philippe Reines, flatly denied the claim.
“Story is 100% untrue. Reuters is wrong,” Reines told the Washington Post.
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In an official statement, Reines added: “Secretary Clinton has not had any conversations with the president, the White House or anyone about moving to the World Bank. She has expressed absolutely no interest in the job. She would not take it if offered.”
The White House also moved to deny the reports. “The story is wrong,” said White House press secretary Jay Carney. “Completely wrong.”‘
The World Bank provides development funds to poor nations. The organization is also involved in issues such as climate change and democratic reform. Traditionally, the World Bank has always been led by an American, and the IMF has been headed by a European.