Ingrid Betancourt, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
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Ingrid Betancourt among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-informed source, Ingrid Betancourt 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 19/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Betancourt 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 63-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Betancourt 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 ‘Bogotá Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Bogotá (Ingrid Betancourt'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:

“#BetancourtPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 18 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Ingrid has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 18 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Ingrid Betancourt?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 18 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Ingrid Betancourt?

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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