Lagarde’s bandages due to a ‘little skin cancer,’ not ‘kick-boxing in Thailand’

What happened: Christine Lagarde said the bandages on her face in a video statement came from a "small surgery" for a "little skin cancer." She also announced she will leave the European Central Bank on Feb. 7. Key numbers: Lagarde is 70. Her term was officially due to end in October next year. She is departing on Feb. 7, almost a full year early. Why it matters: An official familiar with her thinking said she moved early to have "greater freedom to express her views and to engage in non-monetary matters." She has previously hinted she may want to weigh in on France's 2027 presidential race.

Christine Lagarde said the bandages on her face in a video statement came from a "small surgery" for a "little skin cancer." She also announced she will leave the European Central Bank on Feb. 7.

An official familiar with her thinking said she moved early to have "greater freedom to express her views and to engage in non-monetary matters." She has previously hinted she may want to weigh in on France's 2027 presidential race.