Lagarde's Autobiography Stirs Speculation Over Early ECB Exit

Christine Lagarde is set to publish her autobiography in January, as speculation intensifies about her potential departure from the European Central Bank (ECB) before her term ends. The book, titled 'Lady First', will be released on January 29 and features prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, Nicolas Sarkozy, Bono, and Diane von Furstenberg.

Lagarde, who has held various high-profile positions including France's first female minister of economic affairs and finance, the first woman to lead the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the first female president of the ECB, will promote her book in person in Germany and Switzerland in February. The memoir is described as 'the unvarnished truth' of Lagarde's life, with a focus on inspiring young women who may feel they need to be born into privilege or have the right name to succeed.

Lagarde has stated that she doesn't want young women to believe that success only comes through family connections. She worked with German journalist Marc Hujer, who has written three books including a biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ECB has confirmed that Lagarde's autobiography is a private activity and not using ECB resources.

As Lagarde faces questions about her future at the ECB, rumors have been building that she may leave early to take over as head of the World Economic Forum in Davos. This speculation comes as another prominent figure, ECB board member Isabel Schnabel, may also be leaving ahead of time to join the IMF. If true, this could lead to a re-calibration of the ECB's top decision-making panel.