European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has signaled that an early departure from her post remains a possibility, reigniting speculation about her potential candidacy in the next French presidential election.
The comments, made in an interview with business daily Les Echos, suggest Lagarde could step down before her current term concludes in late 2027 to focus on domestic politics.
The remarks add a layer of unpredictability to the ECB's governance structure at a time when monetary policy decisions remain critical for the eurozone economy.
While Lagarde has not announced any immediate plans to resign, her refusal to close the door on an early exit means markets must price in the risk of a leadership transition sooner than previously anticipated.
This development follows previous indications from Lagarde that she would not rule out stepping down to run for the French presidency.
The ongoing speculation has kept investors alert to the potential implications for the ECB's forward guidance and policy stance, particularly as the central bank navigates a complex economic landscape.