Inside the ECB, Irritation Grows Over Lagarde’s Handling of Exit

Confused, irritated, uncertain. Inside the European Central Bank, staff are in shock by reports that President Christine Lagarde will quit before her term is up, leaving questions about her authority.

A number of Governing Council members are perplexed by the lack of pushback to the speculation, according to people familiar with the matter. Lagarde’s response this week was in stark contrast to her firm denial to similar reports in 2025.