Lagarde Signals No ECB Exit Before 2027

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde said on Thursday that she would still be in office next year, dismissing speculation that she could leave early to enter French politics.

After the ECB left its key interest rate unchanged at 2.25%, Lagarde said that when clouds are on the horizon, “the captain stays on the ship”, adding that “you are not going to see the back of me before 2027”.

Asked whether she would commit to serving her full term, which ends in October 2027, Lagarde said she did not want to be “boxed in”.

Earlier this month, Lagarde acknowledged it remained possible she could leave before the end of her term to weigh in on French politics, but that running in next spring's French presidential election was not currently on the agenda.

(Reuters, Max)