Mathias Cormann makes it to final two candidates in OECD race as Greek contender withdraws

·

Former Australian Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann, has made it to the final two candidates in the race to become the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Cormann will now face Sweden’s candidate, Cecilia Malmstrom, in the final stage of the selection process.

This comes after Greek candidate, Anna Diamantopoulou, withdrew from contention on Monday after failing to find enough support among the OECD’s 38 member countries. Swiss candidate, Philipp Hildebrand, also pulled out last Friday.

“I decided to withdraw my bid to be SG of the OECD, in an effort to facilitate consensus in the selection process,” Diamantopoulou said on Twitter, adding that she was “grateful” to Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for his “constant trust and endorsement.”

In response, Mitsotakis congratulated Diamantopoulou for “a truly inspiring campaign” and thanked the members countries who supported her candidacy.

“In the face of the great challenges we all face, Greece remains committed to an ever closer cooperation within the OECD framework,” Mitsokis added on Twitter.

READ MORE: Greek and Australian candidates considered strong contenders for OECD post.

READ MORE: Greek and Australian candidates in final top four for OECD Secretary-General role.

A Cormann victory would be the first time the OECD has been led by someone from the Asia-Pacific region, but there is also a strong push by some members for the organisation to have its first female leader.

“We will continue to work and engage with OECD member countries around the world until the final decision is made,” Cormann told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“We are not taking anything or anyone for granted. We are putting our best foot forward. It will be up to OECD member countries to decide who is the right choice.”

Observers think Australia could secure backing from within eastern Europe as well as Britain, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and many Latin America members.

The Australian government is hopeful that the United States will also support Cormann but the Biden administration’s position is unclear.

READ MORE: RAAF jet flying Mathias Cormann around Europe as he campaigns for OECD job.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I will never forget you’: Emotional farewell for Greek Consul General in Sydney

An emotional Greek Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis delivered his farewell speech on Monday evening at Business Sydney’s Event Centre.

Adelaide’s St Sophrony Parish raises funds for hall construction

The newly established St Sophrony of Essex parish in Hectorville, Adelaide, held its first official fundraising dinner on Sunday, June 29.

From homelessness to homeowner: Kostas Papadimitropoulos shares his inspirational story

Melbourne man Kostas Papadimitropoulos has turned his life around after being scammed out of his life savings and forced to live in his car.

Sydney Dance Company shines at Athens Epidaurus Festival with ‘Impermanence’

The Sydney Dance Company captivated a crowd of 5,000 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus last week, performing 'Impermanence.'

Former ATO worker Paraskevi Vula Danassis convicted in $2 billion GST scam

Former Australian Taxation Office employee Paraskevi Vula Danassis has been convicted over her role in a $2 billion GST fraud scheme.

You May Also Like

JobKeeper and JobSeeker extended but eligibility tightened

The Morrison government will cut JobKeeper at the end of September to $1200 a fortnight for full-time workers and to $750 for part-time workers.

Natalie Kyriacou contributes to a Nature-Positive Australia

Natalie Kyriacou OAM co-authored "A Nature-Positive Australia: The value of an Australian biodiversity market," report with PwC Australia.

EU leaders meet in Versailles to discuss Ukraine war and energy independence

Leaders of the European Union met at an informal summit in Versailles on Thursday in the shadow of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.