ECB’s Lagarde steps down, saying she can’t remain neutral on world events

FRANKFURT – European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Thursday she would step down early from her position in order to have the freedom to speak out on matters of importance beyond monetary policy. She will depart on Feb. 7, giving current European Union leaders time to pick her successor before a French presidential election that polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen ​is favored to win. Her term was due to expire in October 2027.

Lagarde’s decision ends months of speculation about her future just as Europe ‌enters a ‌period of rising economic volatility and divisive electoral politics, particularly in her native France.