Differing ideas for reform Although the IMF and the bank are not likely to give in to the protesters, the hubbub is casting a bright light on organizations that usually make their decisions in secret. Specific ideas for reform can be as disparate as the colors of hair on protesters' heads. Shift the focus of the World Bank away from loaning money for public-works projects and toward broader research on development. What the world needs is an organization that will do things banks don't do. Stop the IMF approach of requiring conservative economic policies as a condition of aid.
Critics say the fund effectively bribes governments into cutting social benefits.
They want aid to be awarded with fewer strings attached. Other critics would attach new strings, saying the IMF and World Bank should make human rights and environmental concerns central to aid-giving. The fund is taking baby steps toward more disclosure, but most of its actions remain shrouded in secrecy. Slowing the process are nations that are reluctant to open up details of their economy to the public, according to a fund official. Many supporters of the institutions also are in favor of change.