Christine Lagarde to Resign as ECB President in February
Christine Lagarde announced she will step down as president of the European Central Bank on February 7, 2027, ending her term early.
President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde announced Thursday that she will resign from her post on February 7, 2027. The departure comes roughly one year before her eight-year term was scheduled to end in October 2027. Since taking office in July 2019, Lagarde managed the eurozone through the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation shocks, and energy crises.
Analysts indicate the timing of the resignation may be intended to allow French President Emmanuel Macron to influence the selection of a successor before his own term expires in May 2027. This move could potentially limit the influence of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who currently leads in polling for the French presidency. While Lagarde has denied intentions to run for the presidency herself, she expressed a desire to be involved in the upcoming election.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa thanked Lagarde for her stewardship and announced that the process to appoint a successor will begin immediately. Potential candidates for the role include Klaas Knot, a Dutch economist, and Pablo Hernández de Cos of the Bank for International Settlements. Lagarde is also considered a candidate to lead the World Economic Forum.
