Interview with Christine Lagarde, ECB President, published by Elle

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, was interviewed by Benedetta Poletti on 12 February 2026. The interview covers her career milestones, views on European values, gender equality, financial education, digital euro, leadership, and personal insights.

Lagarde highlighted her efforts to break glass ceilings and her responsibility to inspire women. She emphasized the importance of resisting backward steps in diversity and climate change, and discussed the ECB’s initiatives such as the EuroSteps app to promote financial education.

She explained the digital euro as a virtual banknote designed to complement physical cash, ensuring easy, fast, and accessible digital payments across eurozone countries, with infrastructure open to commercial banks for innovation.

Lagarde addressed the qualities of strong leadership, noting women’s multitasking abilities and adaptability in a changing environment. She reflected on her career changes, advocating for courage to leave comfort zones for growth.

She expressed concern over the gender pay gap, pension inequalities, and ageism, emphasizing the need for societal support for families and older women. Lagarde advised her younger self to ‘dare’ and shared lessons learned from sports and professional challenges.

She discussed experiences with sexism, advocating respect and equal contribution from men and women in domestic and professional roles. She encouraged women not to feel guilty about balancing work and family, citing her own experience with her children.

Looking ahead, Lagarde plans to spend time in nature and pursue piano lessons after her mandate ends in October 2027, alongside enjoying her grandchildren.

For more details, visit the original interview at the ECB website.