Christine Lagarde’s term as ECB president runs through October 2027, and recent statements have reinforced trader expectations that she will remain in office through 2026. In July 2026 she explicitly pledged to stay at least until year-end, participating in upcoming rate decisions and quashing speculation of an earlier exit tied to French political ambitions. No formal European Council nomination process or resignation announcement has emerged for a 2026 departure, and the appointment mechanism—requiring euro-area consensus, parliamentary consultation, and Governing Council input—typically moves slowly absent acute political pressure. Earlier reports of a possible pre-2027 exit have not translated into active succession planning or institutional signals that would shift the market toward a 2026 change.