Christine Lagarde’s term as ECB president runs until October 2027, and her recent statements have reinforced expectations that she will remain in post through at least the end of 2026. In late September interviews, she indicated any early departure would be limited to a few months before term end and explicitly ruled out a bid in France’s 2027 presidential election. Succession planning has accelerated following Isabel Schnabel’s announced January 2027 exit and Philip Lane’s May 2027 term conclusion, prompting euro-area governments to begin negotiations over executive board roles, yet these discussions center on 2027 timing rather than an immediate vacancy. The resulting trader consensus reflects the absence of confirmed plans or political pressure for Lagarde to step down before year-end 2026.