ECB Staff Committee Seeks Clarification on Lagarde's Possible Early Exit

According to Sina Finance, citing the Financial Times, the European Central Bank staff committee has asked the leadership to clarify whether ECB President Christine Lagarde will step down before the end of her term. The committee said prolonged uncertainty could damage public trust in the institution and also asked the Executive Board to clarify whether Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel could leave before her term ends in December 2027. The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that the World Economic Forum is expected to decide on its next permanent chair before November, with Lagarde a favored candidate. An ECB spokesperson said the central bank has long-established governance arrangements and deep expertise to ensure smooth operations during transitions, and that past reforms have proved this. Lagarde and the World Economic Forum both declined to comment through spokespeople.