Lagarde denied reports of her departure from office

According to internal sources, European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde tried to reassure her colleagues after the Financial Times reported on her possible early departure from the bank.

This would allow Emmanuel Macron to influence the selection of her successor before the French presidential election.

However, Lagarde said in a private message that she is fully focused on her work and that if she decided to step down, her colleagues would hear it directly from her.

Some ECB officials admit that her statement does not completely close the door, but an immediate departure is reportedly not on the table.

Board member Piero Cipollone emphasized that there is no indication that she is packing her bags, and Vice President Luis de Guindos assured that Lagarde remains fully committed to her position.

(reuters, pir)