Lagarde is stepping down as ECB president nine months early, on 7 Feb 2027, firing the starting gun on a succession race while the eurozone still faces weak growth and above-target inflation. Leadersh

What happened: The ECB announced that Christine Lagarde will step down as its president on 7 February 2027, nine months before her term was due to end. Key numbers: Departure date 7 February 2027; term had been scheduled to run until the end of October next year; Lagarde joined the ECB in late 2019. Why it matters: Her early exit starts the race to replace her as ECB chief while the eurozone struggles with weak growth and above-target inflation. The ECB is widely expected to keep rates on hold on Thursday. Coverage: 9 outlets in 24h

The ECB announced that Christine Lagarde will step down as its president on 7 February 2027, nine months before her term was due to end.

Her early exit starts the race to replace her as ECB chief while the eurozone struggles with weak growth and above-target inflation. The ECB is widely expected to keep rates on hold on Thursday.