Central bank: Netherlands nominates ex-central banker Knot as head of the ECB

The Hague. The Netherlands has nominated the former head of its national central bank, Klaas Knot, as a candidate for president of the European Central Bank (ECB). Finance Minister Eelco Heinen announced this to parliament in The Hague. The post is vacant because current ECB chief Christine Lagarde announced she would step down early in February.

The 59-year-old Knot was president of the Dutch central bank from 2011 to 2025. The economist with a doctorate is considered one of the favorites to succeed Lagarde. Also in the running is the Spaniard Pablo Hernández de Cos.

The euro countries have until this Friday to officially nominate their candidates. This will be discussed next week. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel had also expressed interest in heading the ECB, but his chances are considered slim.