Prime Minister Robert Abela has paid tribute to Christine Lagarde following her announcement that she will step down as President of the European Central Bank.Taking to X on Thursday, Abela thanked Lagarde for her leadership during what he described as an exceptionally challenging period for Europe.“Thank you, @Lagarde, for your leadership and dedication as ECB President during exceptionally challenging times for Europe,” he wrote. “Your commitment to safeguarding stability has been deeply appreciated.”The Prime Minister concluded by wishing Lagarde success in her future endeavours.His message follows Lagarde’s announcement that she will leave her post on 7th February 2027, several months before her term was originally due to end in October.Lagarde has led the ECB since November 2019, overseeing major economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of soaring inflation across Europe.As head of the ECB, her decisions on interest rates and monetary policy have had a direct impact on households and businesses across the eurozone, including Malta.•