A spokesperson for the European Central Bank (ECB) said on Wednesday 18 February that Christine Lagarde had not taken any decision regarding a possible early departure from the presidency of the Frankfurt-based institution, which she has headed since 2019. Earlier in the day, the Financial Times had raised the possibility of the end of her mandate before the 2027 deadline.
“President Lagarde is totally focused on her mission and has not taken any decision regarding the end of her mandate,” said this spokesperson, refuting the speculations of the British daily, as reported by AFP on Wednesday.
According to the FT, Ms Lagarde is considering giving the French and German leaders the latitude to agree on her succession, particularly in view of the French presidential election in April 2027.
In principle, the ECB President’s term of office will run until 31 October 2027. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)