BrusselsGovernments have until 28 October to nominate Isabel Schnabel’s replacement.

Schnabel leaves for the IMF on 3 January, and chief economist Philip Lane and Lagarde follow.

The Eurogroup recommends a candidate after the deadline, and EU leaders appoint, most likely at their December summit.

Technically any country can contest the seat, but Germany, France and Italy hold de facto permanent seats.

Spain and the Netherlands are also vying for board seats, which points to a package deal.

How each outlet framed it
Reuters
frames the Schnabel seat as part of a broader Germany-France-Spain-Netherlands political deal, not a single appointment

Sources: Reuters