European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said this morning that she will step down on Feb. 7, 2027, months ahead of the October 2027 end of her term.
I have just informed my colleagues that I will step down as @ECB President on 7 February 2027. It has been a source of great pride to serve this institution. I thank all of those who have supported me on this journey over the past seven years. https://t.co/eSLLTaDAej
— Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde) October 29, 2026
Lagarde said in a post on X that she had "just informed my colleagues" of the decision, calling it "a source of great pride to serve this institution." She also told European Council President António Costa.
She did not give a reason.
The exit had been rumored since February, when the Financial Times reported that she was weighing an early departure before France's 2027 presidential election, so that outgoing French President Emmanuel Macron could have a say in choosing her successor, Euronews reported at the time.
The ECB responded then that Lagarde "is totally focused on her mission and has not taken any decision regarding the end of her term."
Her successor is chosen by the European Council under Article 283 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Leaders are expected to
