What if a global organisation manipulated data just to make Brexit look bad? That’s the growing concern after fresh allegations surfaced against the World Economic Forum—and its founder Klaus Schwab is right at the centre of the storm.
UK’s Economic Rank Allegedly Downgraded in Global Report
Back in 2017, the World Economic Forum (WEF) was supposed to publish rankings that would have boosted the UK’s global economic standing.
According to a leaked document shared by Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, the UK should have climbed from seventh to fourth in the WEF’s annual Global Competitiveness Report.
Instead? Britain dropped to eighth place.
The reason for this suspicious change, the leak claims, was a deliberate decision made by Klaus Schwab himself, the WEF’s 87-year-old founder.
Reportedly, Schwab instructed staff to alter the data so the UK wouldn’t appear to be benefiting post-Brexit.
Schwab Allegedly Feared Brexit Would Gain Momentum
So why would the WEF boss get involved in what seems like a technical ranking?
According to the same leak, Schwab told staff that any perceived improvement in the UK’s global competitiveness could be “exploited by the Brexit camp” to argue that leaving the EU was the right choice.
He allegedly wrote to WEF staff insisting the UK “must not see any improvement.”
This intervention is said to have directly led to the altered rankings—a serious accusation that strikes at the heart of the WEF’s credibility as an impartial global body.
The Bigger Picture Behind the Forum
For those unfamiliar, the World Economic Forum is a Geneva-based think tank best known for hosting the annual Davos summit, where world leaders, billionaires, and celebrities gather to discuss global challenges.
Founded in 1971 by Schwab—originally as the European Management Forum—the organisation has grown massively in influence, especially on issues like climate change, technology, and global inequality.
But it’s also faced mounting criticism for being too elitist and wielding too much quiet power over policy decisions worldwide.
Other Serious Allegations Against Schwab
Unfortunately for Schwab, the accusations about the UK’s rankings are just the tip of the iceberg.
A separate internal investigation—launched after a whistleblower complaint—uncovered even more troubling claims.
The inquiry, conducted by Zurich law firm Homburger, alleges that Schwab:
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Submitted over £835,000 in questionable personal expenses.
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Filed over $1 million in travel reimbursements alongside his wife, Hilde, many of which had no clear link to WEF business.
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Made suggestive or inappropriate remarks to younger WEF staff.
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Used fear and intimidation to maintain control over employees, treating the Forum like his personal empire.
One female executive described his leadership style as manipulative and driven by intimidation, while others noted that he exerted an iron grip on the organisation, even as he stepped down as chairman earlier this year.
Political Figures React with Outrage
Unsurprisingly, the news of manipulated rankings infuriated several high-profile Brexit supporters.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage didn’t hold back.
He told The Telegraph, “Every conspiracy theory about Klaus Schwab now turns out to be true.
He is a dangerous globalist manipulator.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel also weighed in, saying, “For such a senior figure in geopolitical affairs to have conspired and manipulated information against Brexit… is a stain on the reputation of the WEF and those who are part of that forum.”
Schwab Says He Feels Betrayed by the Probe
In response, Schwab released a statement on Sunday claiming he had cooperated with the internal investigation under the understanding that neither side would speak to the media.
He now says he feels “deceived” and will not participate in any further inquiries.
“I feel deceived,” he stated plainly.
“I am not available for further investigations.”
A Legacy Under Fire
For decades, Klaus Schwab stood as the face of one of the world’s most influential gatherings.
But the recent wave of allegations threatens to tarnish that legacy.
What began as a mission to unite global leaders now faces criticism for pushing hidden agendas and lacking transparency.
The WEF has yet to issue a formal comment on the situation.