France shows preference for Hernández de Cos over his Dutch rival Knot for the future presidency of the ECB

The French government favors Spanish candidate Pablo Hernández de Cos over Dutch Klaas Knot for the ECB presidency, according to sources. Hernández de Cos, currently head of the Bank for International Settlements, has support from the Spanish government and the Popular Party. France seeks a candidate who can support eurozone countries facing investor scrutiny, similar to Mario Draghi's approach. However, French backing is not official yet, and the decision will depend on negotiations between Germany and France regarding other ECB positions. The upcoming European Council meeting may not be decisive, with a key agreement expected in December.