'Not a suitable candidate': climate groups urge OECD not to appoint Mathias Cormann as next head

A letter signed by 29 experts and activist groups says Cormann's climate record should rule him out of secretary-general's job

International climate change groups and influential advisers on the global shift from fossil fuels have written to the OECD expressing grave concerns" over Australian politician Mathias Cormann's bid to be its next secretary-general.

Former Australian finance minister Cormann's record in a government that persistently failed to take effective action" to cut emissions while blocking international action meant he was not a suitable candidate", the letter says.

Related: Mathias Cormann: the OECD candidate who helped destroy Australia's carbon-trading scheme

Dear @OECD,

Before you pick your new leader, there's something you should know about @mathiascormann.

We here in the Australian Parliament know him well as a coal and gas booster, and a climate action blocker. @OECD_ENV pic.twitter.com/8PgSC6psVB