Finland's central bank governor to run for president, seek leave of absence

Governor of the Bank of Finland Olli Rehn attends the informal meeting of ministers for economic and financial affairs (ECOFIN) and Eurogroup in Helsinki, Finland, 13 September 2019. Lehtikuva/Emmi Korhonen via REUTERS/ File photo

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finnish central bank Governor Olli Rehn said on Wednesday he plans to run for president next year when Finland is due to elect a new head of state, and will seek leave of absence from his current job.

The 61-year-old, who sits on the governing council of the European Central Bank, said he will be on annual leave in the time ahead and will not be engaged in official duties while preparing to run.