European Central Bank staff members have urged the institution’s Executive Board to provide clarity on reports that President Christine Lagarde and board member Isabel Schnabel could leave before their terms end. The staff said prolonged uncertainty could weaken confidence in ECB communications, concern employees and stakeholders, and complicate leadership succession and strategic priorities. Lagarde’s mandate runs until October 2027, while Chief Economist Philip Lane’s term ends in May 2027 and Schnabel’s term is due to expire in 2027. Lagarde has discussed a possible role in France’s presidential election campaign without standing as a candidate, while the World Economic Forum has also been reported as a potential destination. Handelsblatt reported that Schnabel is negotiating a senior role at the International Monetary Fund. The speculation comes as the ECB confronts energy-price volatility linked to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, after raising interest rates last week and warning that its 2% inflation target will not be met by the end of 2027.