The head of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, has firmly cut short growing speculation about her premature resignation. In private messages to colleagues, she declared her full focus on the mandate, which expires only in October 2027. Although media suggested she wanted to leave earlier to enable Emmanuel Macron to choose a successor before the elections in France, Lagarde assures that she will inform the bank's council first about any potential changes.

Lagarde denies rumors

The ECB President sent a private message to colleagues, assuring them of no plans for resignation in the near future and her full focus on her current mandate.

Media reports

The „Financial Times” newspaper reported on the possible departure of Lagarde as early as 2026, to facilitate Macron's selection of a pro-European successor.

Reactions from board members

Luis de Guindos and Piero Cipollone publicly stated that the bank's chief shows no signs of preparations for resignation.

The growing wave of rumors concerning the future of the European Central Bank has been temporarily halted by Christine Lagarde herself. According to reports from the Reuters agency, the French economist sent a message to members of the Governing Council, emphasizing her dedication to her role. The confusion was sparked by an article in the „Financial Times”, suggesting that Lagarde was considering stepping down in the autumn of this year, two years before the end of her eight-year term. The reason was said to be a desire to protect the institution from the influence of the far right in France, which is leading in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. Market analysts point out that the sudden departure of the central bank chief could be perceived as succumbing to political pressure, which would undermine the central bank's independence. Currently, the ECB faces challenges related to combating inflation and economic uncertainty in the eurozone. In this context, personnel stability at the highest level is crucial for financial markets. Despite the denial, names of potential successors are already being mentioned behind the scenes, including Isabel Schnabel and Francois Villeroy de Galhau. The European Central Bank was established in 1998 to manage the common euro currency. The first president was the Dutchman Wim Duisenberg, succeeded by Jean-Claude Trichet, which began an informal tradition of sharing influence among the largest economies of the European Union.„I remain fully focused on my duties, and you will be the first to know if I ever decide to leave.” — Christine Lagarde2027 — is the year of the formal expiration of the ECB President's mandateThe situation at the ECB sheds light on the tensions between national politics and the continent's financial stability. Although members of the Executive Board, such as Luis de Guindos and Piero Cipollone, publicly support Lagarde, the ongoing leadership changes at the American Fed further fuel speculation about the need for a new, more „hawkish” stance among European policymakers.

Mentioned People

  • Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank, whose future in the position has become the subject of media speculation.
  • Emmanuel Macron — President of France, who, according to media reports, would want to appoint Lagarde's successor before the end of his term.
  • Luis de Guindos — Vice President of the European Central Bank, who assured of the chief's focus on her work.