When European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced that she will leave the ECB in February, attention quickly turned to something beyond the date of her departure: two bandages on her face. In a video message to ECB staff, seen by Politico, she explained that they followed the removal of a small skin cancer.
Explanation on social media
The bandages prompted speculation on social media, which Ms Lagarde addressed in a second post. She said they were the result of minor surgery she had undergone earlier in the week, and urged people to follow medical advice and check their skin regularly.
I have just informed my colleagues that I will step down as @ECB President on 7 February 2027. It has been a source of great pride to serve this institution. I thank all of those who have supported me on this journey over the past seven years. https://t.co/eSLLTaDAej
— Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde) October 29, 2026
Message to ECB staff
In a separate video message to all ECB staff, Ms Lagarde gave more details, with a touch of humour.
“I know I look funny. It’s not from kickboxing in Thailand,” she said, referring to her attendance at the International Monetary Fund’s annual meetings in Bangkok earlier this month. “It’s just a small skin cancer that had to be removed.”
Just to avoid any social media chatter: the plasters on my face are due to a small surgery earlier in the week. Follow doctor’s orders and get your skin checked regularly!
— Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde) October 29, 2026
The ECB declined to comment, referring to Ms Lagarde’s earlier statement.
Departure in February
Earlier on Thursday, the 70-year-old ended months of speculation about her future by announcing that she will step down on 7 February, before the official end of her term in October next year.
The ECB has not disclosed her immediate plans. However, Ms Lagarde has previously hinted that she may want to take part in public debate ahead of the 2027 French presidential election.
Reasons for leaving early
An official familiar with Ms Lagarde’s thinking, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said she chose to leave well before the end of her term in order to have greater freedom to express her views and to engage with issues beyond monetary policy.
According to the official, she cannot remain neutral when she sees the developments unfolding in her country and around the world.
With information from Politico
