European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has reassured colleagues that she remains fully committed to her role and would personally inform them of any decision to step down, according to four sources cited by Reuters. The message was widely interpreted as signalling that she is not preparing to resign.
The remarks followed a report in the Financial Times claiming Lagarde could leave her post early ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, a contest in which eurosceptic forces could perform strongly. An early departure could reopen debate over central bank independence, particularly if it allowed French President Emmanuel Macron to influence the selection of her successor.
Lagarde reportedly told fellow policymakers that she was focused on leading the eurozone’s central bank and that any such decision would come directly from her, not via the media. While recipients said she did not categorically rule out leaving before her term ends in October next year, there was no indication that a resignation is imminent.
ECB board member Piero Cipollone said nothing suggested Lagarde was preparing to depart, pointing to her continued work on long-term initiatives such as the EU’s Savings and Investment Union. Vice-President Luis de Guindos likewise said she remained fully focused on her duties.
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