ECB President Christine Lagarde to step down on February 7, 2027

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will step down on February 7, 2027, ending her tenure nearly nine months ahead of schedule, the central bank announced on Thursday.

Lagarde has informed the ECB's Governing Council and European Council President António Costa of her decision, the bank said in a statement.

Her term was originally due to end in October 2027. Speculation over an early exit had been circulating for months, with the World Economic Forum being discussed as a possible next destination.


The announcement comes just hours before the ECB's latest interest rate decision, scheduled for 1315 GMT on Thursday. Lagarde is due to address reporters at her regular post-meeting press conference at 1345 GMT.

(With inputs from Reuters)