Christine Lagarde Hints She May Run in France’s Presidential Election

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde suggested she may resign from her current post and run in next year’s French presidential election. According to Jin10, Lagarde said on July 2 that she did not rule out stepping down early if eurozone inflation conditions stabilized. Asked whether she would consider leaving her role ahead of schedule, she replied, “It’s possible. I think there should be a European voice in the French presidential election.” Lagarde also commented on France’s relationship with the European Union. She said that if a presidential candidate argued in election debates for “reducing France’s participation in the EU,” someone would need to explain to voters that such a path would not be easy. “France will have to make brave decisions on thorny issues,” she said. Lagarde added that voters expect to be told the truth and offered solutions, and that presidential candidates have a responsibility to examine these issues and propose responses. When asked whether she would support a candidate or run herself, Lagarde initially answered that she was “considering it,” before changing her wording and saying she was joking.