Central Banks

Lagarde Reported to Consider Early Exit

WATCH: Lagarde is expected to step down early from her ECB role, according to an FT report. Bloomberg’s Jana Randow explains.Source: Bloomberg

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By Mark Schroers and Alexander Weber

February 18, 2026 at 5:33 AM UTC

Updated on

February 18, 2026 at 10:22 AM UTC

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is expected to step down from her role before her eight-year term ends in October 2027, the Financial Times reported.

Lagarde wants to leave before the French presidential election in April next year, which would allow French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to find her replacement together, the report said, citing an unidentified person familiar with her thoughts on the matter. It isn’t clear yet when she may exit, the report said.