The argument advanced by Swedish finance minister Anders Borg that Ms Lagarde's sex is an "advantage", since "half of the world has not been represented" at the IMF, is unlikely to placate nations feeling sidelined.
In Ms Lagarde's favour, she is said to be well-liked as chairman of
the G20's economic meetings. Another plus is that she is a finance minister, not a central banker.
"The IMF's relationship with EU central bankers over the bail-outs is not an ideal one," said EU insider.
Meanwhile, Gordon Brown denied his involvement in a educational drive in the developing world was part of a "pitch for [the IMF] job", but did not say whether or not he would go for the post.
Lord Mandelson's name was also thrown into the ring, after reports the Labour peer was approached by China.
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