ECB's Nowotny says would welcome Weidmann candidacy to succeed Draghi

ECB's Ewald Nowotny comments in an interview

• Considers it a serious mistake by Merkel to no longer pursue Weidmann's candidacy
• Would be good if someone from the largest Eurozone economy heads the ECB

I'm not too sure what the political agenda is behind Nowotny pushing for Weidmann unless he believes the ECB should also proceed at a faster pace to normalise monetary policy. As mentioned earlier in the day, there will be a host of key European bureaucratic spots opening up in the coming year and the main one being eyed by Germany right now is that of Juncker's i.e. European Commission presidency.

Should Merkel pursue to put a German at the helm of the commission, it rules out Weidmann as a potential candidate to succeed Draghi as top dog of the ECB.