Mario Monti, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Rome
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Former Italian Prime Minister among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a reliable source, the former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the economist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 16/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Monti 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 82-year-old economist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Monti 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 economist have already been named ‘Italian Of The Year’ by some major Italian newspapers and even ‘Varese Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Varese (Mario Monti's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

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

“Mario Monti Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 15 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Mario has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 15 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mario Monti?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 15 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mario Monti?

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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