Germany blasts departing World Bank head

May 18, 2007, 5:15 GMT

Washington - Germany lashed out at World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz after he agreed to quit, saying he harmed the bank with a leadership style that destroyed his support.

The criticism Thursday by Germany's representative on the bank's 24-member board went far beyond the board's statement on the resignation, which avoided condemning Wolfowitz under a deal designed to win US accceptance.

Eckhard Deutscher, the German director, said Wolfowitz's failings ran deeper than the immediate problem - a promotion and pay increase he arranged for his girlfriend, who worked at the bank when he became its head in 2005.

Underlying reasons included his management style, lack of consultation with the board on decisions, lack of a vision for the World Bank's mission and his focus on protecting his reputation, Deutscher said.

'I regret that Paul Wolfowitz personally suffered damage, but I regret the damage he caused the bank much more,' he told reporters in Washington.

Focussing blame on Wolfowitz's personality may help counter the appearance of a broader US-European spat over policy and ensure continued US support for the bank. The United States is the 185-nation bank's biggest contributor.

The board 'concluded that Paul Wolfowitz is no longer in a position to lead the World Bank effectively, that he no longer has support,' Deutscher said.

That also means he will not attend the June 6-8 Group of Eight summit in Germany, Deutscher said.