Chen Shui-bian, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Taipei
  • Last updated on

Former Taiwanese president among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, the former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian 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 04/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Chen 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 75-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Chen so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the politician have already been named ‘Taiwanese Of The Year’ by some major Taiwanese newspapers and even ‘Tainan Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tainan (Chen Shui-bian'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:

“Chen Shui-bian Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 3 Feb 2026
“Congrats! Shui-bian has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 3 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Chen Shui-bian?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 3 Feb 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Chen Shui-bian?

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?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Chen Shui-bian: Recent News

 

page served in 0.033s (1,2)