Former Swiss central banker throws in towel to lead OECD
Former Swiss National Bank (SNB) chairman, Philipp Hildebrand, has pulled out of the race to become the next secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Hildebrand announced that he had withdrawn his candidacy on Twitter on Thursday evening. “It was a privilege and an honour to have been Switzerland’s nominee and to have gotten this far in the race,” he stated. “Throughout this effort, I relentlessly advocated for the need to promote a fair transition to a net-zero emission economy, to reform and invest in the global economy to yield higher and more inclusive growth, and to reinvigorate international cooperation.”
External Content
Earlier today, I informed the Dean of the #OECDExternal link Council that I would like to withdraw my candidacy to become the next Secretary-General of the OECD. I would like to thank the Swiss Federal Council for its endorsement and all the countries that supported me. pic.twitter.com/4etYSjMiyFExternal link
The Paris-based OECDExternal link is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 37 member countries. Its aim is to stimulate economic progress and world trade. Switzerland was one of the founding members of the organisation when it was created in 1961.
Hildebrand was chairman of Switzerland’s central bank between 2010 and 2012, before he stepped down under pressure, notably from the political right, over a private currency deal.
He later joined BlackRock, a leading asset management company, and has held the position of vice-president there since 2012.
The final two candidates to lead the OECD are former EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström from Sweden and ex-Australian finance minister Mathias Cormann.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss select ex-central banker for OECD top post
This content was published on
The government has nominated Philipp Hildebrand, a former head of the country’s central bank, to lead the Paris-based OECD.
OECD should focus on climate crisis and inequality, says Hildebrand
This content was published on
Former Swiss National Bank Chairman Philipp Hildebrand believes the Paris-based organisation can play a key role in the area of green investment.
This content was published on
“Hildebrand leaves the national bank with his head held high and in the bitter knowledge that he and his family, while they stayed within the rules, acted unwisely in the management of their personal assets because they opened themselves up to moral and political attack,” wrote the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ). Hildebrand told a news…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.