European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said leaving before October 2027 is possible, while stressing her near-term focus remains price stability and warning France’s role in Europe will be central to the presidential debate.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said an early end to her term is possible ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, while emphasizing that her immediate mission is to maintain price stability during a turbulent period. In an interview with Les Echos, Lagarde said a European voice must be heard in the French campaign and left open whether she could support a candidate, run herself, or hold frank discussions with contenders about France’s place in Europe. Her comments come as Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, leads polls to succeed President Emmanuel Macron, who cannot run again, and as France grapples with budget cuts and deficit-reduction targets under EU rules.