ECB President Christine Lagarde resigns, to step down February 7

Summary

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde resigned on Thursday, ending months of speculation about her future. She will step down on February 7, giving current European Union leaders time to pick her successor before a French presidential election that polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favoured to win. Her departure comes as Europe enters a period of rising economic volatility and divisive electoral politics, particularly in her native France. Lagarde has said she can't remain neutral on world events.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   29 Oct 2026, 13:06 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that Lagarde resigned on Thursday and will step down on February 7, giving EU leaders time to pick her successor before a French presidential election that polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favoured to win.

2. The Japan Times

   30 Oct 2026, 01:21 UTCSource ↗

   The Japan Times reports that Lagarde is stepping down, saying she can't remain neutral on world events, and that the decision ends months of speculation about her future as Europe enters a period of rising economic volatility and divisive electoral politics.