IMF head criticized for calling late Saudi king an 'advocate of women'

(Image credit: Allison Shelley/Stringer/Getty Images)

Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, is under fire for describing Saudi Arabia's late king as a "strong advocate of women." Under King Abdullah's rule, the country banned female drivers.

"In a very discreet way, he was a strong advocate of women," Lagarde said. "It was very gradual, appropriately so probably for the country. I discussed that issue with him several times and he was a strong believer."

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.