Valérie Trierweiler, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

Former French First lady among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a reliable source, the former French First lady Valérie Trierweiler 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 15/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Trierweiler 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 61-year-old journalist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Trierweiler so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she 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 ‘Angers Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Angers (Valérie Trierweiler'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:

“Valérie Trierweiler Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 14 Mar 2026
“Congrats! Valérie has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Mar 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Valérie Trierweiler?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Valérie Trierweiler?

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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