France's Villeroy says central bank independence is prerequisite for successful monetary policy

S&P Global

16/04/2026 17:52

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - Central bank independence is a prerequisite for successful monetary policy, Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Thursday.

"I know it's criticized. It's under attack, including sometimes in this country," Villeroy told an event during the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, underscoring that central bank independence was agreed as part of democratic structures, not by the bankers themselves.

"It's for our economies and society, because the practical experience is that independence brings lower inflation and lower interest rates," he said. "So I hope we can stick with that everywhere. It will help through this crisis."

 (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Andrea Ricci)

 ((andrea.shalal@tr.com; +1 202-815-7432;))