ECB President Lagarde resigns, to step down ahead of schedule in February 2027

The European Central Bank (ECB) issued a statement today announcing that President Christine Lagarde has submitted her resignation and will step down on February 7 of next year.

The ECB stated: “President Christine Lagarde informed the ECB Governing Council and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, today that she will step down from her position on February 7, 2027.”

According to Reuters, Lagarde’s term was originally scheduled to run until the end of October 2027; however, speculation regarding an early departure had been mounting in recent months, with the World Economic Forum frequently cited as a potential next destination for her.

The ECB is set to announce its interest rate decision at 13:15 GMT, followed shortly thereafter by a regular press conference hosted by Lagarde.