Weber Throws ECB Race Open by Ruling Out Second Bundesbank Term

The race for the European Central Bank’s presidency was thrown wide open as Axel Weber told officials he may not seek a second term as head of Germany’s central bank, casting doubt over his future career plans.

Weber told some Bundesbank officials in confidence that he’s not necessarily interested in another eight-year term when his current mandate ends in 2012, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. That may also call into question whether he’ll be available to succeed Jean-Claude Trichet as head of the world’s second-most powerful central bank.