Christine Lagarde to step down as president of European Central Bank
Christine Lagarde has announced she will step down as president of the European Central Bank in February 2027, months before her term officially ends. Her departure comes amid speculation about her future role, potentially at the World Economic Forum.
Why it matters
Lagarde's early exit creates a leadership vacuum at a critical European institution during a period of political and economic uncertainty.
CHRISTINE LAGARDE IS to step down as president of the European Central Bank.
She’ll leave the role in February 2027, months before her term expires in October next year.
António Costa, president of the EU Council, said in a statement today that Lagarde led the ECB “with a strong sense of duty and responsibility”.
Lagarde took the top job at the ECB in November 2019, having previously led the International Monetary Fund and served as French finance minister.
Her tenure took in the Covid-19 pandemic and an inflationary wave that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted a spike in energy prices.
Costa said: “Europe has been well served by her leadership in uncertain times and her unwavering commitment to the European project.
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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde Resigns Early
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