Lagarde Leaves Door Open on Early ECB Exit as Succession Talk Builds
ECB President Christine Lagarde declined to confirm she will serve until October 2027, saying 'we'll see' when asked about an early exit.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has declined to rule out stepping down before her term ends, saying only that her departure would be managed properly whenever it comes.
Speaking to Irish national broadcaster RTE in Dublin, Lagarde was asked about persistent rumours of an early resignation. She replied that she leaves in 2027, and when pressed on whether that meant October of that year, she said: "We'll see."
She added that whatever the timing, the matter would be handled in the most professional way.
The comments leave open the possibility that Lagarde could vacate the ECB's top job ahead of the scheduled end of her mandate in October 2027. Speculation about her future has circulated for much of this year.
Her remarks come as attention turns to who might eventually replace her. Sources said this week that France would support Dutch central bank chief Klaas Knot as Lagarde's successor, as part of a broader arrangement in which a French candidate would be chosen for the ECB's chief economist post.
Lagarde did not confirm any plan to leave early, and no decision has been announced. Her comments nonetheless keep the question of the ECB's next leadership open.