Aurélie Filippetti, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Paris
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According to a well-placed source, the former French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 11/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Filippetti for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 52-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Filippetti so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Villerupt Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Villerupt (Aurélie Filippetti's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the politician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Aurélie Filippetti Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 10 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Aurélie has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 10 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Aurélie Filippetti?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 10 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Aurélie Filippetti?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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