Viktor Orbán, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Budapest
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According to a well-informed source, the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán 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 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Orbán 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 62-year-old politician, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Orbán 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 ‘Hungarian Of The Year’ by some major Hungarian newspapers and even ‘Alcsútdoboz Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Alcsútdoboz (Viktor Orbán'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:
“Viktor Orbán Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 9 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Viktor has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 9 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Viktor Orbán?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 9 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Viktor Orbán?
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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