Economics
WTO Chief, Citing Chaos, Says He’s Not the Right Man for the Job
- Azevedo’s abrupt departure aimed at averting more chaos at WTO
- “It’s the best thing for me, my family and the organization”
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The top official at the World Trade Organization said his decision to step down from his role a year early is the best way to avoid more chaos at the alliance, which has already been hobbled by attacks from President Donald Trump and the start of a global recession.
“I’m just leaving because, frankly, I think it’s the best thing for me, my family and the organization,” WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo told Bloomberg News in a phone interview Thursday, adding that timing played a factor in his decision. “We are doing nothing now -- no negotiations, everything is stuck. There’s nothing happening in terms of regular work.”