The European Central Bank clarified that Christine Lagarde has not decided when she will step down as president, following a Financial Times report suggesting her potential departure ahead of the French presidential elections in 2027.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has issued a statement confirming that Christine Lagarde, the president of the ECB, has not made any decisions regarding her resignation. This announcement comes in light of a report by the Financial Times which speculated that Lagarde might resign in preparation for the upcoming French presidential elections in 2027. According to the Financial Times, French President Emmanuel Macron, who cannot run for a third term, wishes to have influence in selecting Lagarde's successor.
The forthcoming presidential elections in France, scheduled for April next year, are viewed as crucial, particularly with Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally, consistently leading in the polls. She is expected to advance to the second round of the election process, competing against another candidate for the presidency. The dynamics surrounding these elections may impact various political strategies, including the future direction of the ECB under Lagarde's leadership.
In response to the speculation, an ECB spokesperson stated, "President Lagarde is fully focused on her mission and has not made any decisions regarding the end of her term." This statement, although a denial, appears to be less forceful than previous denials, suggesting potential considerations behind the scenes as Europe navigates upcoming challenges, including economic recovery and political shifts within member states.
