Lagarde Weighs Early ECB Exit, Rules Out French Presidency Bid

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), has hinted at leaving her position early, possibly a few months before her term ends in October 2027. In an interview with Le Croix, she stated that while she hasn't announced anything concrete, it's possible she could leave ahead of schedule.

'It is not going to change the world,' she said, downplaying the significance of any early departure. However, her words have sparked speculation about who might replace her and when.

Lagarde also ruled out running in the French presidential elections in April 2027, saying it wouldn't be a 'good idea at all.' She emphasized that being President of France requires 'vitality, energy, and strength,' which she believes she no longer possesses due to her age - 70 years old.

The ECB leader also took the opportunity to criticize Jean-Luc Mélenchon's proposal to cancel public debt through non-payment. Lagarde warned that this approach would be 'technically uncertain and financially very dangerous' for France, potentially causing investors to stop financing its fiscal deficit or demand onerous conditions.