Laurent Gbagbo, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Abidjan
- Last updated on
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According to a top source, the former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the political figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 05/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Gbagbo 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 80-year-old political figure, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Gbagbo 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 political figure have already been named ‘Ivorian Of The Year’ by some major Ivorian newspapers and even ‘Mama Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Mama (Laurent Gbagbo's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the political figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“#GbagboPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 4 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Laurent has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 4 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Laurent Gbagbo?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 4 Dec 2025
Could 2025 officially be the Year of Laurent Gbagbo?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?
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