Lagarde wins endorsement to lead ECB

She will assume the job just a day after the scheduled Brexit on Oct 31

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved Christine Lagarde as the next president of the European Central Bank, or ECB, at a time when the region's economy is being challenged by Brexit and trade wars.

The former IMF chief received 394 votes in favor and 206 against, with 49 abstentions, in a secret ballot after a debate when members of the European Parliament, or MEPs, either praised or challenged her nomination. Lagarde was not present during the debate and the voting. MEPs from European Union countries outside the eurozone also took part in the process.