IMFS -Helmut Siekmann warns against the ECB losing its independence with personnel changes (FAZ)

Prof. Helmut Siekmann has warned against using legal tricks for the appointment of the successor of Mario Draghi as president of the European Central Bank (ECB). Judicial maneuvers could threaten the ECB's independence, he said in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung".

"As soon as there is only a glimpse of hope of being reappointed, the independence is in danger," he said.

The warning comes as discussions come up that Benoît Coeuré, who is a member of the ECB's Governing Council, could become the next ECB president after Draghi's term ended. According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a reappointment of a member of the Governing Council after the completion of the 8-year term is ruled out.

Therefore, in Siekmann's opinion, it is not possible for Coeuré to step back for a "legal second" and then be appointed president. "This would mean by-passing the intent and purpose of the Treaty's rules."

FAZ: "Ein Trick könnte die Draghi-Nachfolge entscheiden"