Christine Lagarde Start Lead IMF

Former French Finance Minister, Christine Lagarde, started his first job as the new executive director of the IMF in Washington DC on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, local time. His first challenge is to overcome the financial crisis in European countries.

According to the news station CNN, Lagarde was the first woman to occupy this position since the IMF was established in 1945. He replaces Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former director who is currently hampered by cases of sexual harassment in the United States.

"I feel very honored to be trusted by the board of executive directors," Lagarde said when elected last week.

Widow of 55 years was chosen by voting last week. He managed to beat one other candidate, Agustin Carstens, head of the Central Bank of Mexico. In voting, Lagarde backed by Britain, Germany, and several European countries, Asia and Africa. While Carstens only supported by Australia, Canada and Mexico.

Lagarde previously served as finance minister in the cabinet of France since 2007. Mother of two children also had become a lawyer at the law firm renowned French.

His first day as director of the uses for meetings with staff and stakeholders in the IMF. His first challenge this time is to overcome the financial crisis in Europe, especially in countries hardest hit by the crisis such as Greece and Portugal this time.

Lagarde also still have to face pressure from developing countries who want a bigger position in the IMF. He is also expected to restore the tarnished image of institutions that had induced his predecessor, Dominique Strauss-Khan.