Mário Centeno formally conveyed his wish to stand as Portugal's candidate for European Central Bank vice‑president and the Finance Ministry has submitted his candidacy. The Eurogroup will review the six candidates on 19 January as the selection process advances, with attention on the vice‑president's duties and how a Portuguese nominee might influence ECB policy. For Portugal, a successful nomination would raise the country's profile in euro‑area decision‑making; candidates now face a formal Eurogroup vetting process.