Klaus Schwab accused of manipulating competitiveness rankings to undermine Brexit

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and its founder Klaus Schwab face accusations of altering data in the annual Global Competitiveness Report to downplay the UK’s post-Brexit performance and protect diplomatic ties with India.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has been accused of rigging data in its Global Competitiveness Report to imply that Brexit was a failure. According to reports in Swiss media, WEF founder Klaus Schwab allegedly instructed staff to lower the UK’s ranking for economic productivity in the 2017-18 edition of the report.

A leaked draft of the report initially showed the UK rising from seventh to fourth place, but the final publication placed the UK in eighth. Reports allege this change was the result of direct intervention from Schwab, who reportedly stated, “Brexit… will by definition weaken the UK’s markets component.” Swiss newspapers claim Schwab told staff the UK “must not see any improvement,” warning that better results could be “exploited by the Brexit camp” to claim success for the UK’s departure from the EU.

At the time, WEF stated that the Brexit vote was not factored into the rankings but warned that Brexit would likely impact the UK’s standing in the future. Discussions were ongoing in the UK about the possibility of a second referendum, and then-Prime Minister Theresa May addressed Britain’s post-Brexit future at the 2017 Davos Summit.

An internal WEF investigation, launched after whistleblower claims, alleged Schwab had directed staff to manipulate data. The whistleblower also accused Schwab of misusing funds, making inappropriate comments to junior staff, and interfering with research findings, according to local media.

During preparation of the same report, Schwab reportedly intervened to prevent India from dropping 20 places in the rankings, citing diplomatic relations with Prime Minister Modi. Schwab reportedly wrote, “We must protect our relationship with India before Davos 2019.” In the final report, India was ranked 40th, only one place lower than the previous year.

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