List of Presidents of the European Central Bank
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of the Presidents of the European Central Bank since the establishment of the bank on June 1, 1998.
- Wim Duisenberg from June 1, 1998 until October 31, 2003
- Vice President: Christian Noyer from June 1, 1998 until May 31, 2002
- Jean-Claude Trichet from November 1, 2003 until Present
- Vice President: Lucas Papademos from June 1, 2002 until Present
The French interpretation of the agreement made with the installation of Wim Duisenberg as President of the European Central Bank was that Duisenberg would resign after just four years of his eight year term, and would be replaced by the French Jean-Claude Trichet. Duisenberg always strongly denied that such an agreement was made and stated in February 2002 that he would stay in office until his 68th birthday on July 9, 2003.
In the meanwhile Jean-Claude Trichet was not cleared of legal accusations before June 1, 2002, so he was not able to begin his term after Duisenberg's first four years. Even on July 9, 2003 Trichet was not cleared, and therefore Duisenberg remained in office until November 1, 2003.
Vice President Christian Noyer was only appointed for four years so that his resignation would coincide with the expected resignation of Duisenberg. His successor is Lucas Papademos, who is granted an eight year term.
