Ministers voted unanimously today in Brussels for Donohoe’s new mandate. He was therefore the only candidate. The Irishman succeeded the Portuguese Mario Centeno as president of the Eurogroup in July 2020. Previous chairmen were the Dutchman Jeroen Dijsselbloem and the Luxembourger Jean-Claude Juncker.
In a press release, Donohoe promises to continue to be an “honest mediator” in the discussions among the finance ministers of the 19 euro countries in the coming years. He calls the fight against inflation and the impact of high energy prices on the eurozone economy his main priority. Donohoe’s new term begins on January 13.
Somewhat noteworthy is that Donohoe himself will no longer be Treasury Secretary. Usually, Eurogroup members elect their president from among themselves, but as part of a reshuffle within Ireland’s coalition government, it has been agreed that Donohoe will become Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform later this month. The Finance portfolio will be held by Michael McGrath. He will then represent the Irish position in the meeting.