Christine Lagarde to step down early as European Central Bank president
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has confirmed she will step down on 7 February, eight months before her term officially ends in October 2027.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has officially confirmed she will step down from her post on 7 February, departing eight months ahead of the scheduled end of her mandate in October 2027.
Lagarde communicated her decision to the ECB Governing Council and European Council President António Costa, stating that serving the institution was a source of great pride. Costa expressed respect for her decision and offered gratitude for her leadership during her seven-year tenure. The timing of the public statement allowed the central bank chief to address ongoing speculation ahead of a scheduled press briefing.
Her early departure has accelerated discussions over who will succeed her at the helm of the euro area's central bank, with former Bank of Spain governor Pablo Hernández de Cos highlighted among potential candidates. Media reports also indicate Lagarde could assume a future leadership position at the World Economic Forum.
Sources: Canarias7, Diário de Notícias, El Mundo, La Repubblica, La Vanguardia
Sources
- Canarias7 — Lagarde anuncia que dejará la presidencia del BCE en febrero
- La Repubblica — Bce, Lagarde lascerà il 7 febbraio. La presidente verso il World Economic Forum
- La Vanguardia — Christine Lagarde dimite como presidenta del BCE: dejará el cargo el 7 de febrero
- Diário de Notícias (DN) — Christine Lagarde deixa presidência do BCE em fevereiro de 2027
- El Mundo — Lagarde abandonará la presidencia del BCE el próximo 7 de febrero y coloca al español Hernández de Cos en la carrera por su sucesión
Earlier coverage
- Oct 29, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCECB President Christine Lagarde to step down early in February 2027
- Oct 29, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCChristine Lagarde to step down as ECB president in February 2027