OUTGOING Bundesbank president Axel Weber decided last May against heading the European Central Bank (ECB) because, he said, his economic views brought him into conflict with too many euro zone members.
His remarks to Der Spiegel will only harden the growing feeling in Germany that, by losing the hawkish Mr Weber, chancellor Angela Merkel has missed a unique chance to impose German economic thinking on the Frankfurt institution.
"My name was mentioned for the position for a year and a half and, in several important decisions, I took a clear line," he said, referring to his opposition to the ECB’s decision to buy euro zone government bonds.
By making his dissent public, he broke an ECB taboo that drew criticism from bank president Jean-Claude Trichet and many European leaders.
"I stand by this position which may not be exactly conducive to my acceptance of my person with some governments.
"Since May last year it was clear to me that my potential candidacy had been impaired by my position. In this time my decision matured not to seek this important office."
Mr Weber denied that his decision caught Dr Merkel unawares. He has "not yet decided" on his future, although rumours persist he is in line for the top job at Deutsche Bank.
