Weber was generally thought to be a logical successor to the current ECB Chair, Jean-Claude Trichet who retires next autumn.
Although Liikanen was recently reappointed for another seven-year tenure at the Bank of Finland, he is seen as a credible candidate for the European bank post. He was a former EU Commissioner, Finance Minister and central banker.
Speaking to YLE, Liikanen was reacted cautiously to the speculation over his possible candidacy. However, he did not deny his interest in the post but said discussion of the issue was a little premature.
He reminded that it was European leaders who decided on who filled the ECB post.
“I believe they want to make a decision for the best of the entire euro area and the ECB. I have no wish to interfere in their deliberations on the issue by my own comments,” Liikanen noted.