Transcript of a Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on the French Legal Case
IMF News, December 19, 2016
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Bibliographic details
- Published: December 19, 2016
Context and logistics
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Date: December 19, 2016
- Issuer: IMF Communications Department, MEDIA RELATIONS
- Phone: +1 202 623-7100
- Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
Executive Board confidence and membership
- The IMF Executive Board reaffirmed its full confidence in Christine Lagarde's ability to do her job as head of the IMF.
- The Executive Board represents the entire IMF membership – 189 member states – and has consistently expressed support throughout the trial and the preceding five years.
Gratitude to staff, member states, and France
- Expressed immense gratitude to:
- The IMF Executive Board
- IMF member states, including her own country, France
- The staff of the IMF for support throughout the process and particularly in the last few days
- Characterized IMF staff as "its strength, its excellence" and emphasized eagerness to continue working with the team.
Personal conduct and professional focus
- Stated that throughout her previous professional life and as head of the IMF, she has discharged duties:
- "in full responsibility, in conscience, in confidence, and with a clear focus on the public interest."
- Emphasized she never allowed herself to be distracted from the mission of the IMF and leading the organization during the ordeal.
Legal case outcome and related facts
- The matter lasted for five years and culminated with five days of a very painful process.
- The public prosecutor requested that the case be dismissed without charge and addressed the 16 various grievances that were raised.
- The magistrates (a combination of professional judges and members of parliament) did not fully adopt the prosecutor’s recommendation:
- Christine Lagarde was held negligent but without penalty, without sanction, without registration of the decision.
- She expressed dissatisfaction with that outcome but indicated a need to stop, turn the page, and move on.
Decision and forward-looking statements
- Announced she will not appeal the decision.
- Will focus all attention, time, efforts, energy, and enthusiasm on her mission as head of the IMF.
- Closing remarks: thanked the audience, looked forward to seeing them soon, and wished them a "great, great holiday."
Transcript of a Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on the French Legal Case — Washington D.C., December 19, 2016.