LONDON (Reuters Breakingviews) – Uncle Sam’s allies across the globe have high hopes for President-elect Joe Biden.
German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier spoke for many when he said on Monday that Biden’s victory augured a return to stronger multilateralism.
The World Trade Organization will offer an early chance for Biden to show that’s true. Even changes in form will produce changes in substance.
A snarled-up leadership race is the latest problem plaguing the global trade body.
Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala last month won the backing of all delegations except the United States.
The lone rejection was enough to throw a spanner in the works, given the decision must be approved by consensus.
It was a new blow for the WTO, whose appeals panel has already been paralysed because the administration of President Donald Trump has been blocking judicial appointments.
