The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCDE) reelected its secretary-general, and the winner, former Australian federal finance minister Coleman, is considered a dark horse in this election. He may have benefited from the OCDE’s desire to open up more to Asia.
In an article published on Saturday (March 13, 2021), RFI French reported that Mathias Cormann, the former Australian federal finance minister who has been criticized by environmental groups, is considered a climate change skeptic for his stance. Nevertheless, Cormann faces Swedish-born Cécilia Malmström, the former EU trade commissioner, as the successor to Mexican Angel Gurria.
Coleman, Australia’s former finance minister, was not originally a favorite in this race because of his stance on climate change. Several environmental NGOs had written to the OECD before the election to express their dismay at the 51-year-old former Australian minister. Greenpeace even denounced Coleman’s dire consequences for the climate sector during his tenure as Australia’s minister.
But fighting climate change, especially through tax levers, should be at the center of Coleman’s work during his tenure at the OECD, a club for the rich. OECD member countries account for 60 percent of the world’s gross national product. Coleman may benefit from the OECD’s desire to open up more to Asia.
Coleman, Australia’s former federal finance minister, was born in Belgium. His first language at birth was German. He studied law at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium for his higher Education and then joined an exchange program with the UK before settling in Australia. He was elected to the Senate in 2007 and has served in several ministerial positions in the Australian Federal Cabinet.
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