leaves

Published on
09/02/2026 – 16:48 GMT+1

The French central bank governor handed in his resignation on Monday, which will take effect in June 2026.

This unexpected departure occurs roughly 18 months before his second term was scheduled to conclude in October 2027.

The move strategically shifts the responsibility of selecting his successor to the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

If Villeroy de Galhau had completed his full tenure, the appointment of the next head of the Bank of France would have fallen to the winner of the April 2027 presidential election, which current polling suggests could favour a far-right candidate.

While the French central bank governor cited personal reasons for his departure, specifically to lead the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil, a charity for vulnerable youth, the timing is perceived as a calculated effort to safeguard the institution’s future leadership.

In a press release, Villeroy de Galhau reassured that “a bit more than a year before the conclusion of my second term, it seems to me that I would have accomplished the core of my mission”.

In a separate letter to Bank of France employees, the governor also acknowledged that “this decision may come as a surprise”.

Resignation after stabilisation

Villeroy de Galhau may also have carefully chosen the right moment of stability in the present.

After a long and intense legislative deadlock in France, that saw the collapse of multiple governments, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu successfully navigated the approval of the 2026 budget which was announced at the start of the month.

Throughout late 2025, France’s inability to pass a budget had rattled investors, pushing the risk premium on French debt to its highest levels in years.

By waiting until this budget was finalised, Villeroy de Galhau ensured his departure did not trigger fresh market panic or exacerbate the existing political crisis.

President Emmanuel Macron can now focus on appointing a successor who will likely align with his pro-European and centrist economic vision.

Explosion took place at an unregulated mine in the northeastern East Jainta Hills area.

An explosion at an illicit coal mine in northeast India has killed at least 18 people, according to local authorities.

Police on Thursday said they had pulled 18 bodies from the blast site, located in a remote part of East Jainta Hills district.

Eight others were wounded in the incident, said local official Manish Kumar. It is unclear how many workers were at the site during the explosion; others may still be trapped, said police.

Kumar said rescuers paused operations at sundown Thursday and planned to resume Friday with support from state and federal personnel. He described the site as an “illegal rat-hole mine”, referring to a deep, narrow shaft where workers risk hazardous conditions to extract coal and other minerals.

District police chief Vikash Kumar said dynamite likely triggered the blast, but investigations were ongoing.

“It is likely that the workers died either from burn injuries or breathing issues because of the release of noxious fumes,” said Kumar in a statement carried by The Indian Express. “But because there is no one who has come out in a condition to tell us exactly what happened and how many workers were there in total, we do not have an estimation of how many more may be trapped.”

Prime Minister Modi announces compensation

Conrad Sangma, chief minister of the Indian state of Meghalaya, where the incident occurred, pledged that authorities would hold those responsible accountable and urged against illegal mining.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “condolences” to the families of the deceased workers and announced a 200,000 rupees ($2,216) compensation package for each family. “Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya,” his office wrote in a post on X.

Unregulated coal pits are common in India’s east and northeast regions, with workers earning between $18 to $24 for a day-long shift.

Back in 2018, at least 15 miners were killed while trapped in one such mine in Meghalaya state.

Rat-hole mining has been banned in Meghalaya since 2014 due to water pollution concerns.

EastEnders sees Jake Moon back in Walford next week in scenes with his stunned cousin Alfie Moon, which our soap expert says is ‘crucial’ for both the characters and fans

A familiar face returns home on EastEnders next week, as Jake Moon is reunited with his cousin Alfie Moon.

Fans will remember the character was killed off, or so it seemed, back in 2006. In a case of mistaken identity, or at least a misunderstanding, he was tracked down and seemingly killed.

So imagine the shock on fans’ faces in 2024 when he suddenly returned to Walford, very briefly, with his former flame, and current flame, Chrissie Watts. Jake never died, and despite his family being left to think he was dead he was very much alive.

Spoilers for next week have now confirmed he’s back in Walford, and he finally reunites with Alfie who is under the impression his cousin died 20 years ago. Our soap expert revealed fans can expect “emotional” scenes, and a “crucial” moment that has been a long time coming.

READ MORE: Coronation Street return news leaves fans thrilled as they ‘rumble’ huge changeREAD MORE: Coronation Street to kill off iconic character after 37 years in sad twist

They shared: “It’s a huge moment for fans, but also for Jake and Alfie. It’s a crucial moment that has been a long time coming, and is something both the characters and viewers deserve.

“The mystery about Jake’s fate and for him to then return two years ago with no scenes with Alfie, no closure, was a slight injustice that will finally be corrected. They haven’t seen each other in so long, and Alfie thought his cousin was dead.

“To learn he’s alive and doing well is a great relief to Alfie, and it paves the way for some emotional scenes for them.” His return comes about after he visits Zoe Slater in prison, desperate for answers about what happened with her and Chrissie at Christmas.

He’s not sure he can stay with Chrissie having found out what she’s done, calling time on their romance. Our insider teased Zoe’s words to Jake could shock him.

They said: “The last person Zoe’s expecting to see is Jake Moon. She’s been stopping Kat from tracking down Chrissie out of fear that it could land Jasmine in trouble.

“So when Jake shows up and demands answers about Christmas, Zoe’s forced to decide whether to give him the true events or send him packing. What she has to say leaves Jake reeling, and with a decision to make.”

Jake’s soon catching up with Phil Mitchell too. Fans may recall that Jake accidentally killed his brother Danny Moon who was about to murder Grant and Phil on the orders of Johnny Allen, just like he killed Dennis Rickman.

As he tries to lay the ghosts of his past to rest, Jake comes face-to-face with Phil who offers him guidance about Chrissie. Our expert said of the moment: “Phil has guidance for Jake, and soon he comes to a huge decision that could change everything.

“Whether Chrissie will return to Walford again given what’s happened there, especially at Christmas, remains to be seen. Jake and Kat unite, hoping she will show her face and that it could help Zoe.”

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A PGA Tour statement said:, external “Given that he resigned his Tour membership prior to violating any Tour regulations, he would be eligible to return to Tour competition on August 25, 2026, as a non-member, provided that he complies with Tour regulations and does not participate in additional unauthorised events.

“At that time, Reed would be eligible to participate in FedExCup Fall events as a non-member and could accept sponsor exemptions or participate in open qualifying for those tournaments.

“Reed would then be able to reinstate his membership for the 2027 Tour season, where he would play out of the past champion category.”

It added Reed planned to play on the Europe-based DP World Tour this year, having won the Dubai Desert Classic last week.

“I will continue to compete and play as an honorary lifetime member on the DP World Tour, which is something that I am truly honored and excited to do,” said Reed.

“I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine.

“I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we have created.

“I am moving forward in my career, and I look forward to competing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth.

“I want to thank everyone involved for helping me make this decision. Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, about who I am and who I am not, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Reed was part of the 4Aces team in LIV Golf alongside fellow American Dustin Johnson.

“To Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together,” added Reed.

“To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years.

“I just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children, and our future. Thank you for your continued support.”

Reed’s move comes with LIV Golf preparing for a fifth season in the first week of February in Riyadh.

“LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognises that when golf settles into a new normal, players will not only have the right, but the opportunity to play golf when and where they want,” added the LIV statement.

“As we look forward, our focus remains on building teams and a league that fans can believe in and players enjoy – those who compete at the highest level, play the game the right way, and understand the responsibility to grow the game around the world by engaging fans and celebrating partners.”