The 66-year-old Bulgarian, former director general of the World Bank, becomes the second woman to head the International Monetary Fund

Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva on Wednesday officially became the second woman to be appointed managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), this was announced by the Washington institution's board of directors . 

Kristalina Georgieva arrives with the primary objective of helping member countries cope with the economic downturn.

"I'm taking up my new duties by being aware of the big challenges ahead. Global economic growth continues to disappoint, trade tensions persist, and the burden of debt is mounting in many countries, "said Kristalina Georgieva, quoted in a statement. "In this context, my immediate priority at the head of the IMF will be to help member countries minimize the risk of crises and be ready to face the economic slowdown," she added. His term of office will start on 1 October for a period of five years. She said.

I am honored to be the Managing Director of IMF. I look forward to joining the IMF's committed staff in serving our 189 member countries. Together, we will work to build stronger economies and improve people's lives everywhere.
Only candidate in contention, she congratulated amoung others by Bruno Le Maire.

"Congratulations on your appointment as head of the IMF, which can, thanks to your experience, play its full role in the global economy", responded on Twitter the French Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire, who largely applied.