Time Magazine Shortlist: Will Putin Be ‘Person of the Year’?

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Every year, ‘Time Magazine’ compiles a colorful list of illustrious personalities who are eligible for the ‘Person of the Year’ award. This year, Barbie, notable Hollywood actors and OpenAI boss Sam Altman (38) are participating. The list also includes the names of Chinese ruler Xi Jinping (70) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (71), who are not exactly known for their positive influence on world events. Why is that?

Since 1927, Time Magazine has highlighted a person or group that particularly changed the world in a given year. This can be understood both positively and negatively. The editors do not see the prize as a prize, even though it appeals to many people.

Why was Putin elected?

Last year, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy (45) was named ‘Person of the Year’. A year later, Putin, the man who started the war against Ukraine and continued it for more than a year and a half, could be elected.

How does Time justify its choice of Putin? “Putin faced a brief threat to his power in 2023 during the Wagner uprising. But its influence was ultimately only strengthened because the group of mercenaries withdrew when Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reached an agreement,” it reads.

The person of the year will be announced on Wednesday

It would not be the first time for Putin to be named ‘Person of the Year’. In 2007, the magazine gave the title to the Kremlin chief. The reasoning at the time: Putin had returned Russia from a state of chaos to the ‘power table of the world’ – at the expense of democracy. Time editor-in-chief Richard Stengel said, “He’s not a good guy, but he’s done extraordinary things.”

In the past, the prize also went to the German dictator Adolf Hitler, among others. The magazine will announce on Wednesday who has been selected for 2023. (no)

Source: Blick