Laurent Joffrin, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

Le Nouvel Observateur's managing editor among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a top source, Le Nouvel Observateur's managing editor Laurent Joffrin is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the journalist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Joffrin 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 73-year-old journalist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Joffrin 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 journalist have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Vincennes Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Vincennes (Laurent Joffrin's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the journalist was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Laurent Joffrin Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Laurent has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Laurent Joffrin?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Laurent Joffrin?

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?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Laurent Joffrin: Recent News

 

page served in 0.036s (1,2)