WATCH LIVE: Lagarde Says ‘I Cannot Remain Neutral’ as ECB Chief Announces Early Exit
LIVE: European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde speaks to reporters after announcing she will step down on February 7, 2027, nearly nine months before the end of her term.
Lagarde made headlines by saying she wants the freedom to speak on issues beyond monetary policy, adding: “I don’t think that I can remain neutral.” Her remarks have raised questions about the political and institutional implications of her early departure, particularly with France’s presidential election approaching in 2027.
The news conference also follows the ECB’s decision to keep its deposit rate unchanged at 2.5%. Lagarde revealed that policymakers had debated raising rates, while rising energy prices and eurozone inflation have renewed concerns about the economic outlook. A possible December rate increase remains in focus.
Who will succeed Lagarde? Why is she leaving early? And what does her departure mean for Europe’s central bank and its monetary policy?
Watch the full news conference for Lagarde’s answers on her resignation, ECB independence, inflation, interest rates and Europe’s economic future.
Source: European Central Bank; Reuters; Associated Press.
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