Lagarde says she could leave ECB early to influence French politics

Key facts

• European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde may resign before her 2027 term ends.
• Lagarde's potential resignation is to influence French politics and the upcoming presidential election.
• Lagarde aims to ensure a "European voice" and a pro-European successor.
• Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu resigned after eight months in office.
• Munteanu cited personal principles and convictions for his resignation.
• Moldovan President Maia Sandu will consult to select a new prime minister.
• The new Moldovan prime minister will continue the country's EU accession path.
• The EU is committed to resolving a standoff over the international peace envoy for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas is involved in the envoy selection process.
• The previous envoy for Bosnia and Herzegovina resigned under U.S. pressure.
• Negotiations are ongoing for a successor to the Bosnia envoy.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has stated that she could potentially resign before her term concludes in 2027. This decision would be motivated by a desire to influence French politics, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election. Lagarde's stated aim is to ensure that a "European voice" is heard and to secure a mainstream, pro-European successor for a key position.

In Moldova, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu announced his resignation after serving for eight months. Munteanu cited personal principles and convictions as the reasons for his departure. Moldovan President Maia Sandu is set to commence consultations with political parties to select a new prime minister. The primary objective for the incoming prime minister will be to continue the country's path towards European Union accession.

Separately, the European Union is actively working to resolve a standoff concerning the international peace envoy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas affirmed the bloc's commitment to finding a strong candidate for this crucial role. The EU aims to appoint a successor to the previous envoy, who resigned following pressure from the United States. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to identify and agree upon a suitable candidate.