Mathias Cormann set to head OECD despite climate record
Mathias Cormann, Australia's longtime former finance minister, is set to take over as chief of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Mr Cormann, a centre-right politician, had faced opposition stemming from his record on climate change.
He tried to abolish Australia's renewable energy targets and has called carbon pricing a "very expensive hoax".
Sweden's Cecilia Malmström was also vying to lead the group, which includes 37 of the world's biggest economies.
The Paris-based OECD, which helps develop and coordinate policies among its members, is expected to finalise Mr Cormann's selection next week. He would serve a five-year term starting in June.
Greenpeace International, which helped spearhead outside opposition to Mr Cormann's candidacy, called his selection a "missed opportunity" for the group, which includes the US, UK, Germany and Japan among others.
"We have little confidence in Mr Cormann's ability to ensure the OECD is a leader in tackling the climate crisis when he himself has an atrocious record on the issue, including opposition to carbon pricing," executive director Jennifer Morgan said. Read original full article
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