Brussels, 28/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 April 2011, Spanish finance minister Elena Salgado openly backed the candidacy of the governor of Banca d'Italia, Mario Draghi, to take over from Jean-Claude Trichet at the helm of the European Central Bank, describing him as an 'excellent candidate,' according to Spanish press agency EFE, two days after what has been described as decisive support for Draghi from the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, after the recent Franco-Italian summit (see EUROPE 10365). Crucial in the decision about the new ECB president, Germany has not yet make any official statements, although the media have reported on positive comments by finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble. The withdrawal of Axel Weber, the outgoing governor of the Bundesbank, has greatly reduced Germany's chances of having a German national head the ECB. The final decision will be taken on a qualified majority vote at the European Council (summit) in June 2011. (M.B./transl.fl)