Expense claims scandal and lack of resources hit the Climate Ministry. Minister calls it ‘unfortunate’

One of Denmark’s top climate negotiators has resigned from his post after an investigation by the country’s public broadcaster uncovered a series of questionable expense claims.

Head of department at the Climate and Energy Ministry, Thomas Becker, reportedly spent more than 15,000 kroner in a Bangkok restaurant while on a business trip and later could not produce the bill in question.

According to DR News, Becker received a written warning from the ministry for overspending on travel and restaurants back in March. He was also questioned about buying 37 bottles of wine and 41 gin and tonics for 39 guests during previous trips to Bonn and Paris.

The department report into the incidents questioned the amount of alcohol purchased compared to the number of dinner guests.

It was also revealed that 40 employees of the Global Climate section of the ministry have already filed formal complaints over working conditions and lack of resources.

Climate Minister Connie Hedegaard described the affair as an ‘unfortunate case’ and admitted there had been problems.

‘I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that there have been controversies. I had some people from the Environment Ministry that do things in a certain way. In the Climate and Energy Ministry people come for many different cultures,’ said Hedegaard.

However, she denied that a power struggle existed between ministries and said it was time for the mudslinging to stop.

Becker has been replaced by Steffan Smidt – a department chief with the Foreign Ministry who has long been involved in climate negotiations.