The new German member of the executive board of the European Central Bank may provide gender and skills balance, while helping to contain stark criticism in Germany of the ECB’s new stimulus package.

When Sabine Lautenschläger unexpectedly resigned in late September from the ECB’s executive board, most interpreted it as another protest against the ultra-loose policies championed by president Mario Draghi. However, the leading candidates to replace her are seen as a rare opportunity to reconcile