José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, TIME's Person of the Year 2024?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Madrid
  • Last updated on

Former Spanish Prime Minister among finalists for TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, the former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2024. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 22/11/2024 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Zapatero 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 64-year-old politician, as a 2024 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Zapatero 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 ‘Spaniard Of The Year’ by some major Spanish newspapers and even ‘Valladolid Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Valladolid (José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero'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:

“José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 21 Nov 2024
“Congrats! José Luis Rodríguez has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 21 Nov 2024
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Nov 2024

Could 2024 officially be the Year of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2024 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2024?

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