Portugal's government postpones decision on central bank chief's future
Centeno has been the target of frequent criticism from the political right, now in power, for moving from his role as finance minister in a previous Socialist administration to the central bank in 2020, a move detractors said undermined the institution's independence.
Finance Minister Joaquim Sarmento has previously said the cabinet would consider whether to reappoint Centeno, an outspoken monetary policy dove at the European Central Bank, or replace him towards the end of his term.
Friday's cabinet meeting ended without a decision, however. The minister gave no further comment on the likelihood of Centeno being replaced.
Central bank governors are proposed by the finance minister and nominated by the cabinet for a five-year term and can be reappointed once.
The nominee must submit to questioning by a parliamentary committee, which however has no power to block the nomination, before the government can officially appoint him or her.
Portugal's parliament began its summer recess until September on Thursday, although committees can still hold hearings through next Friday.
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