Reactions to early resignation of ECB President Christine Lagarde

LONDON, Oct 29 (Reuters) - European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will step down early, a move that gives EU leaders time to pick her successor before a French presidential election that polls show far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favoured to win.

Here are some reactions from politicians and business.

ROLAND LESCURE, FRENCH FINANCE MINISTER:

"Christine Lagarde has been an exceptional President of the ECB; As Europe navigated through crises and difficult times, she brilliantly modernized and strengthened the institution. She played a decisive role in ensuring price stability while steering the ECB toward the future, addressing the immense challenges of our time."

JEAN-PHILIPPE TANGUY, LAWMAKER FOR MARINE LE PEN'S RN PARTY

"I saw this coming. Another insult in our direction – lamentable."

MARKUS FERBER, A GERMAN MEMBER OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

"If the impression arises that such a departure is timed around national elections, it damages trust in an institution that must stand above any domestic political calculation."

MARCEL FRATZSCHER, PRESIDENT OF GERMAN THINK-TANK DIW,

"By leaving office early, Christine Lagarde gives European governments and institutions an opportunity to appoint a successor who will safeguard European values and protect the ECB's independence."

SIMON DANGOOR, HEAD OF FIXED INCOME MACRO INVESTING AT GOLDMAN SACHS

"The ECB is now quite well established, the market is familiar with the way it operates. Our view is that institutional behaviour is likely to outlast Lagarde, and be quite similar, whoever takes over."