Serbia’s first female, gay prime minister to begin third consecutive term as nation cancels EuroPride parade
- Ana Brnabics is the first prime minister to be voted for a third term since the return of multiparty elections in the 1990s
- Critics have slammed her for failing to be a more vocal advocate for expanding LGBTQ rights in the Balkan nation
Ana Brnabic, Serbia’s first female and gay prime minister, will begin a third consecutive term, said president Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday, even as he affirmed that the Balkan nation will not allow a pan-European LGBTQ Pride event to take place in Belgrade next month, citing threats from right-wing extremists and fears of clashes.
The announcement came nearly five months after the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), led by Vucic, won the country’s general elections.
Although Vucic holds a ceremonial post, rights groups have long accused him of authoritarian tendencies and critics say prime ministers serve only to echo his authority.
Members of the European Pride Organizers Association chose Serbia’s capital three years ago to host the annual event. Vucic said a crisis with neighbouring Kosovo and various economic problems were among the reasons why the Balkan nation’s authorities did not think they could handle EuroPride, which features a Pride parade.
This is a violation of minority rights, but at this moment the state is pressured by numerous problems,” he said.
Serbia has pledged to protect LGBTQ rights as it seeks EU membership, but increasingly vocal right-wing supporters harass and sometimes attack people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.