Spain Seeks to Retain ECB Executive Board Seat After de Guindos Exit

Spain plans to maintain its representation on the European Central Bank’s (ECB) Executive Board following the departure of Vice President Luis de Guindos, whose mandate expires at the end of May 2026.

He is set to be replaced from June by Croatia’s Boris Vujcic. De Guindos’ exit would temporarily leave Spain without representation on the six-member board, despite being one of the eurozone’s largest economies.

Madrid is expected to push for a return to the board as early as next year, when three positions are due to become vacant, including the presidency of the ECB. Spanish officials see this as an opportunity to secure a senior role.

Potential candidates from Spain include former central bank governor Pablo Hernandez de Cos and current governor Jose Luis Escrivá.

However, candidates from Germany, France and Italy are also expected to compete for the top positions, including the role currently held by Christine Lagarde.

The ECB Executive Board plays a central role in setting and implementing monetary policy across the euro area.

(reuters, tasr, sab)