Gough Whitlam, TIME's Person of the Year 2023?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Canberra
  • Last updated on

Former Australian Prime Minister among finalists for TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year?
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According to a well-informed source, the former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2023. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 09/12/2023 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Whitlam 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 107-year-old politician, as a 2023 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Whitlam 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 ‘Australian Of The Year’ by some major Australian newspapers and even ‘Melbourne Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Melbourne (Gough Whitlam'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:

“Gough Whitlam Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 8 Dec 2023
“Congrats! Gough has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 8 Dec 2023
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Gough Whitlam?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 8 Dec 2023

Could 2023 officially be the Year of Gough Whitlam?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2023 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2023?

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