Moncef Marzouki, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Tunis
  • Last updated on

Tunisian President among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a credible source, the Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki 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 26/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Marzouki 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 politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Marzouki 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 ‘Tunisian Of The Year’ by some major Tunisian newspapers and even ‘Grombalia Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Grombalia (Moncef Marzouki'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:

“#MarzoukiPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 25 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Moncef has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 25 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Moncef Marzouki?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 25 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Moncef Marzouki?

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).

Moncef Marzouki: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,2)