Christine Lagarde in Florence: “This city makes you positive”

Before chairing this week’s meeting of the European Central Bank Governing Council, ECB president Christine Lagarde took a relaxed and symbolic stroll through one of Florence’s most authentic places, the Sant’Ambrogio market. Among stalls of fresh vegetables, cheeses and eggs, Lagarde greeted vendors, posed for selfies, and took time to observe food prices closely.

“I checked food prices very carefully,” she said, “and yes, they have increased, but much less than two years ago. They are still higher than the average inflation rate we have, which is around 2%. We need to make sure they continue to go down, because food is important.”

Lagarde’s visit, filled with smiles and friendly gestures, offered a lighter prelude to the upcoming discussions of the ECB board. “We will have to discuss very serious matters,” she admitted, “but being here in Florence puts you in a very, very positive state of mind. You see Europe everywhere, but you also see the beauty of Italy and the Renaissance. When you are in Florence, you have to be positive.”

The ECB president also shared a personal connection to the city: “My son chose Florence to propose to his fiancée,” she revealed with a smile. Before leaving, she enjoyed a cappuccino and bought some pomegranates, a symbolic fruit of prosperity and abundance.

The Governing Council meeting, held in Florence this week, will focus on the economic outlook of the euro area and the next steps in monetary policy. But Lagarde’s stop at Sant’Ambrogio sent a message beyond finance, a gesture toward everyday life and the people most affected by price dynamics. “We must never forget that behind every number, there are families and workers,” she said. “Economic stability begins with their well-being.”

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