A Serbian cardiologist and left-leaning MP who also loves pumping iron has revealed an unlikely inspiration – Britain’s very own Iron Lady.
Maja Pavlovic, an MP for the ruling Socialist Party, praised the late Margaret Thatcher when she was asked who she admired while competing at a bodybuilding event.
The 23-year-old blonde, who was recently voted Serbia’s sexiest politician, was quick to praise the former right-wing Prime Minister.
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Serbain doctor, MP, and bodybuilder Maja Pavlovic has revealed that she is inspired by Margaret Thatcher
Ms Pavlovic recently won a meal in the European leg of the Women’s Bikini Fitness Contest.
Ms Pavlovic’s inspiration, the late Margaret Thatcher, pictured here in October 1989
She said: ‘I know it may seem strange that someone from the other side of the political spectrum can be so impressed but Margaret Thatcher was a force of nature.
‘Anybody that knows anything about her life cannot fail to be impressed by a remarkable woman she was, as an example to everyone.
‘What she achieved over her life can only help to inspire others and it was my inspiration to go into politics and to make a success of myself doing what makes me happy.’
Ms Pavlovic, who recently won a meal in the European leg of the Women’s Bikini Fitness Contest, said that in Serbia, just as it was in the Britain where Thatcher powered her way to the top, it is very male dominated.
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Ms Pavlovic, 23, strikes a pose and shows off a trophy she won at a bodybuilding event
She said: ‘I hope like her to get to the top as well. Whether that’s as a politician, a doctor or a model. Second place is not interesting.’
Ms Pavlovic, who is often seen posing in her bikini and at modelling or body fitness shoots, in between working as a doctor and attending political engagements, has caused quite a stir in her homeland.
According to the daily tabloid newspaper Telegraf, ‘people want to get sick on purpose just to get healed by her’, even though she is only a junior doctor.
Ms Pavlovic is a fifth year medical student and practices as a junior doctor as part of her course; according to Serbian media patients ask for her by name
Ms Pavlovic is in the fifth and final year of medical school in the town of Kragujevac and practises on patients as part of her final exams.
She said: ‘I love medicine and I want to achieve great results there. But I also love politics. I want to stay involved in that and of course through my beauty contest involvement, I hope that I will get to travel and see interesting places.’
Christopher Meatto