Andrew Bailey joins finance leaders’ walkout as Russia addresses IMF meeting
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey joined finance leaders who walked out of an International Monetary Fund meeting in Bangkok as Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov addressed the group. The protest highlighted European opposition to Russia’s participation in international forums amid its war with Ukraine, and concern that such involvement could be seen as normalising relations.
Bailey was joined by officials from France, Germany and Scandinavian and Baltic countries; Germany’s Bundesbank president said nearly half the delegates left. IMF steering committee chair Mohammed al-Jadaan said all members had agreed to the meeting’s statement, which warned that the global economy had weathered recent shocks better than expected but that its resilience could not be taken for granted. The statement cited risks from conflict, trade tensions, public debt and high bond rates.
- Andrew Bailey joined a walkout at an IMF meeting in Bangkok.
- Nearly half the delegates reportedly left as Russia’s finance minister spoke.
- The IMF warned that economic resilience remains vulnerable to further shocks.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Walking out can be a principled way to show that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has consequences and that its participation should not be treated as ordinary while the war continues. Supporters may argue that visible protest expresses solidarity with Ukraine and pressures international institutions to avoid lending legitimacy to Russian officials, while still allowing members to agree on shared economic concerns.
The case against
Keeping the meeting open to Russia can preserve channels for dialogue and cooperation on global economic risks, which affect countries beyond the conflict. Critics of the walkout may argue that leaving the room is largely symbolic, risks politicising a forum meant to coordinate economic policy, and reduces opportunities to challenge Russian representatives directly.
Art Business Culture Europe Geopolitics Government Politics UK World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Bank of England governor walks out of IMF summit in protest against Russia”.