Cristina Kirchner, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Buenos Aires
- Last updated on


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According to a well-placed source, the former Argentine president Cristina Kirchner 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 Kirchner 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 72-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Kirchner 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 ‘Argentine Of The Year’ by some major Argentine newspapers and even ‘La Plata Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in La Plata (Cristina Kirchner'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:
“Cristina Kirchner Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 10 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Cristina 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 Cristina Kirchner?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 10 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Cristina Kirchner?
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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