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ECB Chief Lagarde May Exit Early Amid Election Fears
19 Feb
Summary
- Christine Lagarde reportedly plans to leave the ECB before French elections next year.
- Her current term as ECB president is set to conclude in October 2027.
- Klaas Knot, Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Joachim Nagel, and Isabel Schnabel are top contenders.

Speculation surrounds the potential early departure of Christine Lagarde from her position as President of the European Central Bank (ECB). Her tenure is scheduled to end in October 2027, but reports suggest she may step down before the upcoming French elections. Such an exit could impact the selection process for her successor. The European establishment reportedly fears that a victory by the eurosceptic right might complicate the appointment. An early departure could allow French President Emmanuel Macron to oversee the selection, potentially in consultation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. However, the ECB has officially denied these plans, stating that President Lagarde is entirely focused on her duties and has not decided on the end of her term. Several prominent figures are being considered as potential successors. These include former Dutch central bank chief Klaas Knot, ex-Bank of Spain governor Pablo Hernandez de Cos, Bundesbank president Joachim Nagel, and ECB board member Isabel Schnabel.




