The EU chose Dominique Strauss-Kahn yesterday to head the IMF, putting the former French finance minister in line to succeed Rodrigo de Rato in October.
Portugal, which leads talks between all 27 EU nations, said Europe would support Strauss-Kahn after Spain's de Rato steps down to spend more time with his family.
"Ecofin [EU finance ministers] agrees to support D. Strauss-Kahn for IMF Director," the Portuguese government said in a message sent to reporters.
Strauss-Kahn, 58, had previously been tipped to challenge unsuccessful French presidential candidate Segolene Royal for the leadership of the Socialist party and turn around the troubled French left.
French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde said the caliber of Strauss-Kahn and his international experience had allowed him to swiftly win support from other EU nations.
Europe and the US have divided the top jobs at the two major financial institutions, with the EU picking the head of the IMF and the US choosing who should lead the World Bank. The IMF board is expected to approve the candidate Europe had chosen.
But British Finance Minister Alistair Darling said it was time for the system to change and the post should still be open to candidates from other parts of the world.
"We think there needs to be an opportunity for all members of the IMF to make their own assessment as to individual candidates ... and then, of course, pick the best candidate for the job," he told reporters.
He said Britain would have liked more time to select someone although he described Strauss-Kahn as a "credible" candidate.
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