Spain proposes Calvino as Eurogroup head

The Spanish government confirmed on Thursday that Nadia Calvino, the country's minister for economic affairs, will be a candidate to preside over the Eurogroup of 19 eurozone finance ministers, reported Xinhua.

Calvino, 51, has ample experience in European affairs, having held the post of director-general for budget at the European Commission between 2014 and 2018.

"I have submitted my candidacy for the presidency of the Eurogroup with the commitment to keep working for a strong and prosperous euro area to the benefit of all European citizens," Calvino said on Twitter.

She enjoys the support of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who commented that "It would be an honor for the government of Spain and for me as prime minister if Nadia Calvino became president of the Eurogroup, a vital organization for cooperation and the construction of a stronger and more united Europe."

"It would be the first time a Spaniard and a woman led this institution," tweeted Sanchez.

The vote to elect the successor to current Eurogroup President Mario Centeno from Portugal will be held in July.