EU backing prompts graft-tainted Lagard to seek 2nd IMF term

Christine Lagarde announced on Friday that she will run for a second term at the head of the International Monetary Fund, after winning strong backing from across Europe. "Yes, I am running for a second mandate," the former French finance minister confirmed in an interview with France 2 television.

"I've had the honour of receiving support since the opening of the procedure," she said, pointing in particular to endorsements from France, Britain, Germany and China.

British finance minister George Osborne tweeted that he was "delighted to nominate" her for a new term. He described the 60-year-old as "an outstanding leader with (the) vision and acumen to steer (the) global economy in years ahead". 

The German finance ministry said Lagarde had proven to be a "far-sighted and successful crisis manager in difficult times". US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew refrained from a formal endorsement, but expressed strong approval of her performance.

"I think she has done a great job," he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Lagarde noted that the United States customarily waits until the end of the election process before backing a candidate, but pointed to recent expressions of support from Washington DC.