Ana Brnabić has made history again. In 2017, she became the first woman and the first lesbian to hold the office of Prime Minister of Serbia. She has now become the country’s acting President.
Brnabić also became the country’s longest-serving prime minister, holding the office from 2017 until 2024. She has taken on the new role following the resignation of President Aleksandar Vučić.
As Speaker of the National Assembly, Brnabić automatically assumed the role upon Vučić’s resignation. However, she can only serve in the position for 90 days, as Serbia’s constitution requires a presidential election to be held within that period.
Vučić served as Prime Minister before Brnabić succeeded him when he became President in 2017. During her time as Prime Minister, she became the first Serbian prime minister to attend a Pride parade. She was also the first LGBTQIA+ head of government whose partner gave birth while she was in office. Brnabić’s partner, Milica Đurđić, gave birth to a son in 2019.
While Brnabić is regarded by many as a trailblazer, she has also faced criticism from some LGBTQIA+ advocates and human rights organisations who argue that more could have been done to advance LGBTQIA+ rights in Serbia. Same-sex couples do not have all the legal protections and provisions available to heterosexual couples, and same-sex marriage remains prohibited.
