ECB’s Paris rebuttal sparks fresh spat

Article reports that the European Central Bank slapped down in June 2011 an attempt by Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, to force one of its top officials, Mr Bini Smaghi, to resign, opening up a fresh conflict between the euro’s monetary guardian and eurozone governments.

Responding to a call by Mr Sarkzoy for a place to be made available for a French banker on its six-man executive board, the ECB underlined its freedom from political interference, which is enshrined in European Union treaties.

ESO: Background information: Merkel backs Draghi to head ECB http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkel-backs-draghi-to-head-ecb/

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