Carstens Criticizes Europe for Backing Lagarde to Run IMF

Mexican central bank Governor Agustin Carstens, nominated to lead the International Monetary Fund, criticized European nations for publicly backing French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde before all the candidates are known.

“I find it strange that they are advocating in some forums for an open, transparent, merit-based candidate and they have made up their minds before the candidates are on the table,” Carstens, 52, said in an interview today in Sao Paulo. “All the other countries are playing by the book.”