ECB's Lagarde steps down, saying she can't remain neutral on world events
TLT•Christine Lagarde said she will leave as ECB president on February 7, before her term was due to end in October 2027, to speak freely on issues beyond monetary policy.
1. Early departure
Lagarde said she would step down as president of the European Central Bank on February 7. She said the neutrality required by her role prevented her from speaking out on matters affecting Europe and elsewhere, adding, “I don't think that I can remain neutral.”
2. Succession process
European Council President Antonio Costa said the search for a successor would begin immediately. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an orderly, coordinated transition, while former central bank governors Klaas Knot and Pablo Hernandez de Cos were described as frontrunners. Financial markets showed little reaction.
