Christine Lagarde’s eight-year term as European Central Bank president runs until October 2027, and recent statements have reinforced expectations she will remain in post through at least the end of 2026. In mid-September interviews she reiterated plans to depart “in 2027” while declining to commit to serving the full mandate, keeping open the possibility of an earlier exit but providing no timetable or confirmation of one before year-end. Euro-area governments have begun preliminary succession discussions and horse-trading over related executive board vacancies, yet these talks center on 2027 transitions rather than an imminent 2026 vacancy. With no official announcement, resignation, or health-related development forcing an earlier departure, market pricing reflects the absence of concrete catalysts for an exit this year.