BERLIN/BRUSSELS, October 29. /TASS/. Christine Lagarde has confirmed that she will leave her post early as President of the European Central Bank (ECB) on February 7 next year.
"I have just informed my colleagues that I will step down as ECB President on February 7, 2027," she wrote on X.
Lagarde has headed the bank since November 1, 2019, and her term was originally scheduled to end in late October 2027.
In a video posted by the ECB chief, adhesive bandages were visible on her face. To "avoid speculation on social media," Lagarde explained that she had undergone a minor medical procedure earlier in the week, and urged others to follow medical advice and get regular skin check-ups.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa said he had received formal notification of her resignation. Costa thanked Lagarde for her service and announced that "the process to appoint her successor will be initiated today and will proceed without delay" to ensure the new ECB president is confirmed by the European Council before February 7.
In February, the Financial Times reported on the plans of Lagarde--a prominent French politician--to resign ahead of the April 2027 French presidential election. According to the newspaper, this is linked to concerns that Eurosceptics, led by Marine Le Pen, could win, which would complicate the selection of the next ECB chief in October.
Earlier, World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab told the Financial Times that he had invited Lagarde to succeed him at the helm of the forum starting in early 2027. Lagarde has not yet publicly confirmed these plans.