The IMF is Coming - Look Busy

Despite numerous protestations by Ireland's beleaguered leaders, the IMF is in Ireland for talks about the future of the country.

Whilst these talks take place, here is some food for thought. Recent action by the IMF has included:

- In Pakistan, where people are suffering the impacts of massive flooding, the IMF has required government to end energy subsidies, increase fuel and electricity tariffs and increase regressive excise and sales taxes.

- In Jamaica teachers and other public sector workers have not received negotiated reimbursements of salary arrears.

- In Romania as part of a 2010 bail-out loan, public sector wages were slashed by 25% and pensions by 15%.

Here's a recent analysis of IMF crisis lending.