Lagarde Dodges Election Questions at French Event

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde avoided directly answering questions about her possible participation in France's presidential election while attending the Fête de la Pomme event in Épreville-en-Lieuvin. Rumors have been circulating about her political future, with some speculating that she may join the campaign after initially stating she would remain in office until at least the end of the year.

Lagarde also spoke out against a proposal by far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon to write off public debt. She emphasized the benefits of EU membership, using calvados as an example, and called for the creation of a genuine capital markets union capable of competing with the United States.

The ECB president did not comment on her own political prospects during the speech, but participants at the event did not rule out the possibility that she could join the election campaign. Lagarde's autobiography, Lady First, is set to be published in January.