His main competition for the IMF post was thought to be Frenchman Jean Lemierre, who is head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

BBC: NEWS | Business | Rato confirmed in IMF's top job

Charles Dallara, managing director of the Institute for International Finance, along with Jean Lemierre, a senior adviser to BNP Paribas SA, left the prime minister's office soon after the meeting with the party leaders ended without making any statements.

WSJ: Greek Party Leaders Struggle to Resolve Overhaul Differences