IMF mission chief in Romania on partying with politicians: 'I am a Mormon, my conscience is clear'

Jeffrey Franks, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Romania (in picture, left, shaking hands with president Basescu), who recently received media attention for attending a party in a mountain resort in the country, responded to criticism by saying he was a Mormon and has his conscience was clear. Some have labelled the decision to publicly indulge in drinking, eating and dancing as insensitive, given the ongoing pain many are suffering due to the austerity measures demanded by the IMF.

“I was invited to a traditional dinner, where I got a chance to taste traditional Romanian food, sponsored by the Finance Ministry and the National Bank. Its purpose was to know better Romania's tradition and culture. I am a Mormon, I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke, I don't drink coffee and I cannot afford anything immoral. My conscience is clear,” said Franks during a press conference in Bucharest on Sunday (February 5). Jeffrey Franks, who is currently heading an IMF review in the country, partied with Sorin Blejnar, the head of the country’s Fiscal Administration (ANAF) at a private party in Romania’s Prahova Valley a week ago, according to ProTV channel. Franks, who has been in and out Romania for the last three years while the country has had an ongoing standby agreement with the fund, also danced during the party, joining the traditional round dance, but stayed at the party for only two hours. Franks, an American citizen, joined the IMF in 1993, as an economist in the Fiscal Affairs Department. Since then, he has held positions in the European Department and Western Hemisphere Department, including as IMF Representative in Ecuador and Ukraine. In December 2008, he became mission chief for Romania. He received a PhD in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University, a BA in Economics from Washington State University, an MS degree in Development Economics from Oxford University, and a masters in Public Affairs (Economics and Public Policy) from Princeton University. editor@romania-insider.com