Alex von Frankenberg, currently in the self-chosen status of "creatively between two projects", has entered into a memorable bet: He is supposed to apply for a job at the European Central Bank. Of all places. At THE institution that he otherwise tends to view... let's put it diplomatically... "with mixed feelings".

Alex wants to apply precisely where the money printing machines – pardon, the "monetary policy instruments" – have their institutional seat. That's about as if a vegan were to look for a job at a butcher shop or a privacy advocate were to start working at Facebook.

We are curious to see if the ECB has a sense of humor – and even more curious about what will happen if Alex is actually invited for an interview. Maybe this is exactly the kind of critical self-reflection the institution needs? Or at least an entertaining story for the Christmas party.