Amid Scandal, IMF Exec Wins Praise for Nimble Work

Strauss-Kahn's 'activist' economics suit crisis

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2008 1:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – Even as he faces a probe for misconduct, the head of the International Monetary Fund is being praised for a decisive response to the world financial crisis, Bloomberg reports. Europe’s chief banker says he’s “convinced the investigation will prove that Dominique Strauss-Kahn didn’t abuse power.” Strauss-Kahn, 59, has streamlined the fund’s process for loans to strapped countries, with Iceland and Hungary among the needy.

Strauss-Kahn has been “extremely active” in implementing the emergency measures, one former IMF official said. The probe focuses on a relationship with a former IMF employee, and whether favors or harassment were involved in her departure. Strauss-Kahn denies wrongdoing. “The last thing they need now is to have a void of leadership,” an analyst said.

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Dominique Strauss-Khan and his wife, Anne Sinclair, in 2007. (AP Photo)

Strauss-Kahn speaks during a news conference. (AP Photo)

Strauss-Kahn and a colleague examine his gavel. (AP Photo)

International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn is under investigation over a romantic relationship with a female subordinate. (AP Photo)

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The fund's most important member countries have seemed happy with the job that he has been doing. He is seen as an activist managing director at a time when this was badly needed. - Edwin Truman, Peterson Institute for International Economics

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Amid Scandal, IMF Exec Wins Praise for Nimble Work