FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Christine Lagarde is determined to complete her eight-year term as president of the European Central Bank, the ECB said on Wednesday after the Financial Times reported that she held talks about leaving early to lead the World Economic Forum.
The FT said Lagarde, who still has more than two years left in her mandate, has held talks about taking over as head of the WEF for years and last met with former WEF President Klaus Schwab in April to discuss a succession plan.
Schwab was quoted as saying Lagarde, who is on the WEF’s board of trustees, was at the centre of their succession plan and they had discussed timelines and even practical arrangements, including accommodation for Lagarde.
Asked to comment on the report, an ECB spokesperson said:
“President Lagarde has always been fully committed to deliver on her mission and is determined to complete her term.”
Lagarde’s non-renewable term at the ECB runs until October 31, 2027.
Schwab, the WEF’s founder, resigned with immediate effect last month and the group said it launched an investigation into his affairs following a whistleblower letter alleging misconduct.
Schwab denies the allegations.
(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi;Editing by Alison Williams and Helen Popper)
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