ECB President Lagarde may step down early to aid successor selection

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) – European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering stepping down from her post before her eight-year term officially concludes.

According to a report by the Financial Times citing sources, Lagarde does not plan to complete her full term, which is scheduled to end on October 31, 2027.

The report indicates that Lagarde is evaluating a resignation prior to the French presidential elections slated for April of next year.

Speculation that Lagarde might not stay until the end of her mandate gained momentum after Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau announced on February 9 that he would be leaving his position early.

While the process to select a successor for the ECB Presidency typically begins months before the term expires, reports suggest that European governments may bring this timeline forward.

European leaders are reportedly keen to determine Lagarde’s successor early to avoid a scenario where the appointment process is influenced by a French administration potentially led by Marine Le Pen or her political ally Jordan Bardella.

Prominent names emerging as potential candidates for the post-Lagarde era include former Bank of Spain Governor Pablo Hernandez de Cos and Dutch Central Bank President Klaas Knot.

ECB Executive Board Member Isabel Schnabel and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel are also mentioned as potential successors.

Rumors regarding Lagarde’s early departure also circulated last year. At the time, the ECB denied allegations that World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab had discussed the matter with Lagarde in Frankfurt.

During her tenure, which began in November 2019, Lagarde has navigated the Eurozone through significant crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Under the ECB’s tight monetary policy, inflation in the Eurozone—which hit a record high of over 10% in 2022—receded to 1.7% in January.