BCE: la plantilla quiere saber si Lagarde saldrá antes de tiempo

The European Central Bank's staff are seeking clarification on whether President Christine Lagarde may step down before her term ends in October 2027, according to the bank's staff committee. The union has urged its leadership to clarify whether president Lagarde will leave her post earlier than planned, warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine confidence in the institution.

In a letter to the bank's executive board, staff representatives raise concerns that instability could impact communications, create anxiety among personnel and stakeholders, and complicate the orderly succession and strategic planning of leadership. This reflects tensions between staff and management over internal governance. Lagarde has publicly stated she intends to remain in office until 2027, though she has repeatedly avoided committing to complete her eight-year mandate.

Last week, she told journalists she had no information to share about her future. The bank has said it has long-standing governance mechanisms and extensive experience to ensure smooth transitions, as previous changes have demonstrated. The union also asks the board to clarify if Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel might leave before her term ends in December 2027.

Schnabel is among those negotiating with the IMF to succeed Tobias Adrian at the Monetary Market and Capital Department. Staff unions call on the institution's leadership to provide clarity on possible leadership transitions, warning that departures of top officials could delay or dilute reforms addressing its open communication culture, professional incentives, and trust in internal processes.

The staff committee cites a 2025 survey showing only 40% of respondents feel able to express their opinions without negative consequences. Staff members note new board members need time to understand the central bank's issues. Lagarde has faced questions about a possible early departure since May, when former IMF chief Klaus Schwab told the Financial Times she and Lagarde discussed her potentially moving to the World Economic Forum before her term ends.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is expected to decide on its next permanent president before November, with Lagarde the favored candidate, according to people close to the matter. Financial Times reported on Monday that eurozone governments are preparing for one of the biggest leadership reshuffles in the ECB's 28-year history, with a deal on the three main posts expected by the end of December.

The recent announcement that Lagarde's autobiography, Lady First, will be published in January has fueled speculation about her possible departure before her term ends. Last week, when asked how she would ensure her public role as president of the ECB and promotion of her book remained separate, Lagarde said any marketing activity would occur on weekends or vacations.