French finance chief Christine Lagarde has kicked off a global tour to promote her candidacy to head the International Monetary Fund with a trip to Brazil.
Ms. Lagarde has emerged as the odds—on favourite to get the job. Her appointment would make her the first woman in charge of the scandal—rocked fund but would also increase tensions with developing nations who argue someone from outside Europe should be given the job this time.
She plans to visit many of the most influential developing nations to convince them she would not focus exclusively on Europe, where the fund is closely involved in a half dozen bailout deals.
Ms. Lagarde posted a message on her Twitter account on Sunday- “Flying to Brasilia- tomorrow lunch with my colleague Guido Mantega, meeting with Governor of the Central Bank Alexandre Tombini.”
According to France’s foreign minister, Ms. Lagarde has already won the backing of the Group of Eight rich nations. Interviewed on Sunday on French television channel Canal+, Alain Juppe said there was “unanimous support” for Ms. Lagarde among the eight leaders at their annual summit in Deauville, France last week.
The U.S., whose vote will be crucial for Ms. Lagarde’s nomination, has not officially endorsed a candidate.
The IMF’s last managing director, Frenchman Dominique Strauss—Kahn, quit on May 18 after he was accused of attempting to rape a New York hotel maid.
