France’s central bank chief resigns early, shaping Macron’s succession
Bank of France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau will step down in June 2026, more than a year before his term ends, enabling President Macron to influence the appointment of his successor and potentially avoid a candidate aligned with the opposition; Macron supporters say the move aids a smooth transition, while critics call it a political stitch‑up; Villeroy said the decision is personal and will let him take a new role at a charity, with implications for ECB policy and France’s fiscal stance.