Germany’s Jürgen Stark sent a tremor through financial markets when he announced his resignation from the European Central Bank’s executive board on September 9. At the time he cited “personal reasons,” but Mr Stark has just confirmed what everyone suspected – that there was much more to his decision.

He told the European Parliament on Monday that he will “very likely” make a statement at the end of this year, when he actually steps down. Expect a blast against the ECB’s government bond-buying programme – which he opposed, like many German conservatives – as well as other steps taken by central banks in Europe and beyond.

In the meantime, I couldn’t help thinking, Mr Stark might regret his decision to resign. Read more

Jürgen Stark has resigned from the ECB. The central bank’s statement is below.

Today, Jürgen Stark, Member of the Executive Board and Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB), informed President Jean-Claude Trichet that, for personal reasons, he will resign from his position prior to the end of his term of office on 31 May 2014. Mr Stark will stay on in his current position until a successor is appointed, which, according to the appointment procedure, will be by the end of this year. He has been a Member of the ExecutiveBoard and Governing Council since 1 June 2006. Read more