ECB President Lagarde suggests possible early departure — Anadolu Agency

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said in an interview with the French newspaper La Croix, in which she also commented on the situation in France, that she could leave her post a few months before the end of her eight-year term in October 2027. At the same time, she stressed that she had not announced any specific plans. Anadolu Agency reports.

Lagarde said that she would remain in office in 2027 and that a possible early departure would not be a major shock. She also ruled out the prospect of taking part in France's presidential election next year, saying that it would not be a good idea. According to her, such a position requires life energy, strength and considerable personal sacrifices.

France's public debt

Speaking about French public finances, Lagarde called public debt, which is approaching 120% of gross domestic product, a serious problem in the absence of a clear path for reducing it. In her view, restoring confidence requires a convincing plan, shared commitments and reforms.

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The ECB president called for simplifying administrative and regulatory procedures, continuing labor market reforms and responding to pressure on the pension system caused by increasing life expectancy. She noted that the previously established pension model cannot operate indefinitely and must adapt to demographic changes.

Resilience of the financial system

At the same time, Lagarde positively assessed the resilience of the European financial system, which, according to her, is now much stronger than during the crises of 2008 and 2011. As examples, she cited Greece, Portugal and Ireland, which, after painful crises, put their public finances in order and returned to growth that often exceeded average rates.