Serbia Approves First Female and Openly Gay Premier
- Parliament backs President Vucic’s choice in 157-55 vote
- Little-changed cabinet signals East-West balancing to continue
Ana Brnabic (center) attends a swearing-in ceremony at the Serbian Parliament in Belgrade on Aug. 11, 2016.
Photographer: ALEXA STANKOVIC/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Lawmakers loyal to Serb President Aleksandar Vucic approved the nation’s first woman and openly gay person as premier to steer a cabinet with some ministers who have expressed anger at NATO and want closer ties with Russia.
Ana Brnabic, 41, got 157 votes in the 250-seat parliament on Thursday. A U.S.- and U.K.-educated political newcomer, she replaces Vucic, who moved to the nominally ceremonial post of presidency after winning an April election. Following her appointment by Vucic, who as head of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party wields the power behind the cabinet, critics warned he will remain effectively in control.