Born: 1975 (Belgrade, Serbia)
Biography:
Ana Brnabić (Serbian Cyrillic: Ана Брнабић) was born on September 28, 1975, in Belgrade, Serbia. She is a Serbian politician and has been serving as the Prime Minister of Serbia since 2017. Brnabić holds the distinction of being the first woman and the first openly gay person to hold this office.
Brnabić began her political career in 2016 when she entered the government as the Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government under Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and Acting Prime Minister Ivica Dačić. During her tenure, she initiated crucial reforms of central government services in Serbia, showcasing her competence and dedication.
After Aleksandar Vučić was inaugurated as the President of Serbia in May 2017, he proposed Brnabić as his successor in June of the same year. The proposal was met with approval, and on June 29, 2017, Brnabić and her cabinet were voted into office by a majority of 157 out of 250 members of the National Assembly of Serbia.
Notably, Brnabić was elected as a non-partisan politician. However, in 2019, she joined the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and was subsequently elected as vice president in 2021. Despite these political affiliations, it is worth noting that some observers question the extent of Brnabić’s political power. They argue that Vučić, as the President, holds the true power in line with the constitutional role of the chief executive.
Brnabić’s leadership and influence have garnered international recognition. In 2019, Forbes magazine ranked her as the 88th most powerful woman in the world. She was also recognized as the 19th most powerful female political and policy leader, a testament to her significant impact in the political arena.
Beyond her political achievements, Brnabić has played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and representation. As an openly gay woman, she holds the distinction of being the second female LGBT head of government in the world, following Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir of Iceland (2009–2013). Moreover, she is the fifth openly LGBT head of government overall, joining the ranks of Jóhanna, Elio Di Rupo (Belgium 2011–2014), Xavier Bettel (Luxembourg 2013–present), and Leo Varadkar (Ireland 2017–2020, 2022 – present).
Brnabić’s commitment to inclusivity and equality is highlighted by her groundbreaking attendance at the Belgrade Pride in 2017, making her the first head of government to participate in a gay pride march. This act not only demonstrated her personal support for LGBTQ+ rights but also served as a powerful symbol of progress and acceptance in Serbia.
In her personal life, Brnabić maintains a deep connection to her Serbian roots. Her father, Zoran, was born in Užice in 1950 and completed his studies in Belgrade, where the family resided. Notably, her paternal grandfather, Anton Brnabić, an ethnic Croat Yugoslav military officer, fought alongside the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II. He was later promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Furthermore, Brnabić proudly declares herself as a Serb. Her maternal grandparents hail from Babušnica, a town in southeastern Serbia, emphasizing her strong ties to the country and its cultural heritage.
In terms of education, Brnabić pursued her studies in Belgrade, attending the Belgrade Fifth Gymnasium. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) diploma from Northwood University in Michigan, USA. Her educational background has undoubtedly shaped her analytical and strategic approach to governance.
Ana Brnabić’s leadership as the first woman and openly gay Prime Minister of Serbia, her commitment to reform, and her dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion make her a transformative and influential figure in Serbian politics and society. Her achievements and impact continue to inspire individuals, while her journey represents an important milestone in women’s history.