EP supports Lagarde to head ECB

BRUSSELS, Sept 17 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament (EP) Tuesday voted by 394 votes in favour against 206 to support Christine Lagarde as the candidate for European Central Bank president,.
Speaking in plenary before the vote in Strasbourg, chair of the economic and monetary affairs committee in the EP, Irene Tinagli, said that the answers provided by Lagarde to MEPsآ’ questions showed her "awareness of the tasks and challenges ahead and her suitability to pursue the mission." Lagarde was nominated by EU leaders in July to replace the outgoing ECB president Mario Draghi from November 1.
She has been managing director of the International Monetary Fund since 2011. Prior to that, she held several ministerial posts in France, including that of minister of the economy, finance and industry.
ECB presidents are appointed for a non-renewable term of eight years by EU heads of state or government, but the European Parliament must be consulted beforehand.
Should Lagarde get the post, she will be the first woman to head the ECB. (end) nk.rk