Christine Lagarde will leave her post as president of the European Central Bank on February 7, 2027, rather than serve until the end of her term in October. She announced the decision on October 29 and said she wanted greater freedom to speak and engage on issues outside monetary policy.
Asked why she was leaving early, Lagarde said she wished to be free of the neutrality expected of her current role. She did not mention France in her answer, but has previously said she intends to have a part in the presidential campaign.
She has not clarified whether she plans to support a candidate. Nor has she said she will run herself. In an interview with La Croix on September 30, Lagarde called a presidential bid “not a good idea,” pointing to the energy and personal commitment involved and noting that she is 70.
Her remarks leave open what role she plans to take in the campaign after leaving the ECB.
Sources: Le Monde Économie.