- Losing an election: The Lehendakari is elected by the Brillian electorate for an once-renewable 6-year term, meaning an incumbent FIrst Citizen can lose their re-election attempt. Most recently, this happened to incumbent Lehendakari Haran Eleszalde, who lost in an election after being defeated by a landslide by a left-wing opposition coalition. Notably, Eleszalde invoked a seldomly-used clause to lengthen his term and the term of parliament citing an attack on a high school by a student as the reason.
- Death or incapacitation: Despite this not occurring since 1955, the Brillian constitution allows for the substitution of the Lehendakari with their deputy in case of incapacitation or death.
- Impeachment or resignation:A Lehendakari is allowed to resign by personal decision, after which their deputy takes over. This has not happened since the introduction of the current constitution in 2002. The parliament may also submit a motion of no confidence to the Lehendakari, if 60% of the legislature votes in favour. This has also not occurred.