Famous Serbian Prime Ministers

Nikola Pašić was a prominent Serbian and Yugoslav politician and diplomat who served as prime minister of Serbia and Yugoslavia multiple times over almost five decades. He played a crucial role in the founding of Yugoslavia and is considered one of the most influential figures in Serbian history. Pašić led Serbia through a period of economic growth and increased influence, winning victories in the Balkan Wars and navigating the country through the turmoil of World War I. Known for his political pragmatism, he oversaw the kingdom's first constitution before his death in 1926.

Ana Brnabić is a Serbian politician who has held various prominent positions in the government. She served as the minister of public administration and local self-government before becoming the prime minister of Serbia in 2017, a position she held until 2024. Brnabić made history as the first woman, first openly gay individual, and longest-serving prime minister in Serbia. She is a member of the Serbian Progressive Party and has also served as the president of the National Assembly of Serbia since 2024.

Zoran Đinđić was a Serbian politician and philosopher who served as the prime minister of Serbia from 2001 until his assassination in 2003. He was a long-time opposition politician, a key figure in the Democratic Party, and a co-leader of the opposition to Slobodan Milošević's administration. As Prime Minister, he implemented pro-democratic reforms, pushed for Serbia's integration into European structures, ratified the European Convention on Human Rights, and advocated cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. His government's efforts led to Serbia and Montenegro becoming a member state of the Council of Europe in 2003.

Milan Stojadinović was a prominent Serbian and Yugoslav politician and economist who served as the Prime Minister of Yugoslavia from 1935 to 1939. He held various key positions in the government, including Foreign Minister and Minister of Finance on multiple occasions. Stojadinović was known for his contributions to economic policies and diplomatic relations during his tenure. He played a significant role in shaping Yugoslavia's political landscape and was recognized for his expertise in finance and governance.

Slobodan Jovanović was a multi-faceted Serbian and Yugoslav intellectual known for his contributions as a writer, historian, lawyer, philosopher, literary critic, diplomat, and politician. He held prestigious positions such as professor at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Law, Rector of the University of Belgrade, and President of the Serbian Royal Academy. Jovanović also played a role in international affairs, serving as an expert for the Yugoslav Government at the Paris Peace Conference. Later, he held significant governmental positions, including Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister of the Royal Yugoslav government-in-exile in London.

Vojislav Koštunica is a Serbian former politician who served as the last president of FR Yugoslavia from 2000 to 2003 and as the prime minister of Serbia from 2004 to 2008. He played a crucial role in the overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, opposed cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, formed a minority government after the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić, and was instrumental in the adoption of the first constitution of an independent Serbia. He later founded the Democratic Party of Serbia and the right-wing eurosceptic "Statehood Movement of Serbia."

Ivica Dačić is a Serbian politician who has held various high-ranking positions within the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) since 2006. He has served as the deputy prime minister of Serbia and minister of internal affairs, as well as the minister of information in a transitional government. Dačić is known for his pragmatism and adaptability, collaborating with different political parties to achieve national goals. He has played key roles in government coalitions, pursuing EU accession and working on the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Anton Korošec was a Yugoslav politician known for his role in the conservative People's Party. He also served as a Roman Catholic priest and was recognized for his exceptional skills as an orator. Throughout his professional life, Korošec made significant contributions to the political landscape of Yugoslavia, advocating for the interests of his party and engaging in public discourse through his powerful speeches. His career was marked by a commitment to his beliefs and a dedication to serving his community through both politics and religion.

Ilija Garašanin was a prominent Serbian statesman who served as the prime minister of Serbia twice, from 1852 to 1853 and again from 1861 to 1867. He was known for his conservative approach to internal politics, advocating for a bureaucratic system of administration. In foreign affairs, he was an early advocate for a pro-Yugoslavia stance, believing in the independence of a united Yugoslav state from both Russia and Austria. Garašanin's influence and contributions made him one of the leading Serbian politicians of the 19th century.

Matija Nenadović, also known as Prota Mateja, was a Serbian archpriest, writer, and politician. He played a significant role in Serbian history, serving as the first prime minister of Serbia from 1805 to 1807. Nenadović was a prominent leader during the First Serbian Uprising, advocating for Serbian independence and working to establish a stable government. As an archpriest, he had influence in both religious and political spheres, using his position to advance the interests of the Serbian people.

Mirko Cvetković is a Serbian economist and former politician known for his roles as the Prime Minister of Serbia from 2008 to 2012 and as Finance Minister from 2007 to 2008, and again from 2011 to 2012. He assumed office as a nonpartisan politician endorsed by the For a European Serbia coalition, focusing on Serbia's EU accession. His tenure saw significant achievements such as visa abolishment for Serbian citizens in the Schengen Area, obtaining EU candidate status, and fulfilling obligations to the ICTY amidst challenges like Kosovo's independence and the Great Recession.

Stojan Protić was a prominent Serbian politician and writer known for his significant contributions to Serbian parliamentarism. He served as the prime minister of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia, during multiple terms in the early 20th century. Protić was highly regarded for his role as a key theoretician in shaping the political landscape of the region. His professional life was marked by a dedication to public service and a commitment to advancing political ideologies in the Kingdom.

Jovan Ristić was a prominent figure in Serbian politics, diplomacy, and historical scholarship. Known for his strong leadership, he played a key role in shaping Serbia's foreign policy and representing the country on the international stage. Ristić's diplomatic skills were highly regarded, and he successfully negotiated important treaties and agreements. As a historian, he contributed valuable insights into Serbian history, further enhancing his reputation as a multifaceted and influential figure in the political and intellectual spheres.

Ljubomir Davidović was a prominent Yugoslav and Serbian politician known for his service as prime minister of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. He held this position twice, first from 1919 to 1920 and then again in 1924. Davidović was a respected figure in Yugoslav politics, advocating for unity and collaboration among the diverse population of the kingdom. His leadership during a crucial period in the country's history left a lasting impact on the political landscape of the region.

Stojan Novaković was a versatile Serbian figure known for his contributions in politics, history, literature, and diplomacy. He served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Serbia, held key ministerial positions multiple times, and led the prominent Progressive Party. A skilled diplomat, he represented Serbia in major European capitals. Novaković was a noted intellectual, serving as president of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, head of the National Library, and a respected professor. His work in history and literary criticism established him as a pioneering figure in Serbian historiography.

Petar Živković was a Serbian military officer and political figure in Yugoslavia. He served as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia from 7 January 1929 to 4 April 1932. Throughout his professional life, he played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Yugoslavia. Živković's leadership was marked by efforts to navigate the complex dynamics within the country and uphold stability. His tenure as Prime Minister was characterized by various challenges and accomplishments, leaving a lasting impact on the history of Yugoslavia.

Zoran Živković is a Serbian politician with a diverse career. He served as the prime minister of Serbia from 2003 to 2004 and as the mayor of Niš from 1997 to 2000. Notably, he played a crucial role in the protests against Slobodan Milošević and the subsequent government changes. Following the assassination of Zoran Đinđić, he led the Serbian government during a state of emergency, overseeing Operation Sabre to combat organized crime. Živković later founded the New Party and served as its president before transitioning to a role at the Center for Development of Civil Society MilenijuM.

Milovan Milovanović was a prominent Serbian figure in politics, diplomacy, writing, and constitutional law. He notably served as the 45th Prime Minister of Serbia. Throughout his professional life, Milovanović made significant contributions to the development of Serbia, demonstrating expertise in governance and legal matters. His leadership and diplomatic skills were evident in his role as a politician and diplomat. Additionally, his writings showcased his intellect and commitment to advancing constitutional principles, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape of Serbia.

Vojislav Marinković was a prominent Serbian and Yugoslav diplomat and politician who held key positions in the government. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs on two separate occasions, where he played a crucial role in shaping the foreign policy of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Marinković also briefly held the position of Prime Minister, demonstrating his leadership abilities and commitment to public service. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to promote the interests of his country and foster international relations for the benefit of Yugoslavia.