Lagarde Matches Centrist Rival in French Presidential Poll

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde could receive around 14% of first-round votes if she enters France’s 2027 presidential election, according to a poll commissioned by POLITICO. The survey places her slightly ahead of centre-right candidate Edouard Philippe, who is projected to receive 13.5%, highlighting divisions within France’s centrist political landscape.

However, the poll’s scenarios show far-right leader Marine Le Pen and left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon leading the first round and potentially advancing to the runoff. Lagarde previously served as France’s economy minister under former President Nicolas Sarkozy and is scheduled to leave her ECB position on February 7, 2027.

Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum, Lagarde said she wanted to regain her freedom to speak and engage in matters beyond monetary policy. Her departure from the ECB would come about a month before potential presidential candidates must formally declare their intention to contest the election. She has not confirmed a presidential bid.

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