Lagarde to leave ECB presidency early to speak more freely
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has said she will leave her post several months early. She wants more freedom to engage on matters unrelated to monetary policy.
Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank (ECB), which sets monetary policy for the eurozone countries, will leave her post several months before her term ends. France 24 reported the news on 29 October 2026.
Lagarde explained that she wants more "freedom to engage on matters that are not monetary policy". The remarks have fuelled speculation about her future plans, as a presidential election approaches in France, her native country.
The search for a successor
Her departure also opens a race to succeed her. It comes as Europe faces what the report describes as a turbulent fiscal future.
Other items from the programme
The same France 24 business programme also covered record profits at oil company TotalEnergies. Meanwhile, the European Union has issued a warning about household energy bills.
The source does not give the exact date of Lagarde's departure, name possible successors or describe her plans after leaving the post.
