Surprise as Anthony Albanese makes list of Time’s 100 most influential people

On the surface Anthony Albanese doesn’t have much in common with Academy award winners and best selling authors, he can now name them as peers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been named one of the most influential people of 2023 alongside Academy award winner Ke Huy Quan and best selling author Colleen Hoover.

The magazine compiles an annual list of people it believes are the most influential across six categories: artists, icons, pioneers, leaders, titans and innovators.

Mr Albanese is listed in the top 100 alongside US President Joe Biden, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

Twitter owner Elon Musk, King Charles III, Beyonce, soccer legend Lionel Messi, and author Judy Blume also made the list.

Justin Trudeau lauded the Prime Minister in his short statement. Picture: Supplied

In a short submission about why he had been selected, Canada’s left-wing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said Mr Albanese embodied values of progressives around the world.

“From growing up in public housing to taking office last spring as Australia’s new prime minister, he is a symbol of hope and inspiration,” Mr Trudeau said.

“He works to lift up and amplify the voices of those who need to be heard from, particularly Indigenous peoples.

Mr Albanese is the first Prime Minister to be given the nod since 2008. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“His government supports those who need it most, believes that we need to take ambitious climate action, and unwaveringly supports democracy in the face of unprecedented threat.

“In a world where people are increasingly uncertain about what the future holds for them and their families, it’s easy for politicians to sow fear and division.

“To choose the path of hope and opportunity takes immense courage, and that courage lives within Anthony Albanese.“

Mr Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister to be honoured with the nod since Kevin Rudd in 2008.

Originally published as Surprise as Anthony Albanese makes list of Time’s 100 most influential people