I would like to make three remarks on the decisions which were taken in Brussels last weekend. 1. The compromise reached in Brussels over the weekend on filling the office of President of the European Central Bank is a decision taken by the political authorities which we take note of and on which I do not want to make any further comments. 2.
The suggestions made with regard to the nominations for the Executive Board of the ECB are to be viewed favourably overall. The persons involved are acknowledged experts on monetary and banking issues, and for the most part have many years of experience in the field of monetary policy. That certainly goes for Professor Dr. Otmar Issing, who is to be appointed for eight years.