Early Lagarde Exit Set to Narrow Field in Race to Lead ECB

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 Alexander Weber and Mark Schroers

February 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM UTC

Updated on

February 18, 2026 at 5:27 PM UTC

An early departure by Christine Lagarde could narrow the field of candidates vying to succeed her as European Central Bank president.

Lagarde will step down before her term ends in October 2027, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, allowing President Emmanuel Macron to help find a replacement ahead of French elections that could usher in the far right.