ECB President Lagarde plans to quit before Macron's term ends, FT reports

FILE PHOTO: European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde addresses the press following the ECB's Governing Council meeting, at the ECB headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, February 5, 2026. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo

FRANKFURT, Feb 18 (Reuters) - European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde plans to leave her ⁠job early, ahead of next year's French presidential election, to give outgoing French leader Emmanuel Macron a say in picking her successor, the Financial Times said on Wednesday.

Lagarde's term at the head of Europe's ⁠most important financial institution is due to end in October 2027, but a victory by the eurosceptic far right in the spring 2027 presidential vote could complicate selection of the next ‌ECB chief.