Fabian Picardo has married his partner Anna Mihaela Bocse in a civil ceremony, the government of Gibraltar has confirmed.
The 54-year-old leader of the Rock tied the knot at The Convent, just weeks before he is expected to relinquish power.
Picardo has served as Chief Minister since December 9, 2011, making him one of the territory’s longest-serving political figures.
His tenure has spanned some of Gibraltar’s most consequential modern challenges, including Brexit, years of negotiations over the territory’s relationship with the EU and the landmark agreement concerning its border with Spain.
The wedding also comes just months after historic changes to the border arrangements between Gibraltar and neighbouring La Linea de la Concepcion.
End of an era for Gibraltar
Picardo announced on June 4 this year that he intended to relinquish both the leadership of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party (GSLP) and his position as Chief Minister this autumn.
His party is expected to hold its annual general meeting in November or December, when a new leader will be selected.
Picardo has confirmed he will not stand for re-election as party leader.
Once his successor is chosen, he is expected to submit his resignation to the governor, allowing the transition to a new administration.
Among those who could succeed him is Health Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez, who would become Gibraltar’s first female Chief Minister if she secured the party leadership and took office.
Picardo has also indicated that he would advise his successor to call a general election in 2027, although the final decision would rest with the incoming leader.
Born in Gibraltar on February 18, 1972, Picardo grew up in the territory’s Upper Town district.
He studied law at Oriel College, Oxford, between 1990 and 1993 before qualifying as a lawyer in 1994.
He subsequently became a partner at the Gibraltar law firm Hassans before entering frontline politics.
His family also has strong historical ties to Spain. One of his grandmothers was a Spanish Republican exile who fled to Gibraltar following the Spanish Civil War and married a Gibraltarian.
