Italian political icon Emma Bonino dies at 78
Former Italian foreign minister and European commissioner Emma Bonino has died at 78, prompting tributes across Italy's political spectrum.
Former Italian foreign minister and European commissioner Emma Bonino has died at the age of 78 in Rome following a recent hospitalization for a respiratory crisis. Her death was confirmed on Friday by her political party, +Europa.
Bonino was a prominent figure in Italian and European politics for over five decades. A long-time radical and civil rights advocate, she played a pivotal role in campaigns legalizing abortion and divorce in Italy. Between 1995 and 1999, she served as European Commissioner before later taking office as Italy's Foreign Minister.
Tributes were expressed across the political spectrum. Italian President Sergio Mattarella stated that she "impressed a mark on the life of the Republic," while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described her as a "strong voice" in national politics as state funeral arrangements commenced.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, ANSA, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, El Día
Sources
- El Día — Muere Emma Bonino, exministra y excomisaria europea, a los 78 años
- La Repubblica — Morta Emma Bonino, il ricordo del suo partito: “Ci ha lasciati ma non ci lascerà mai”
- Il Messaggero — Emma Bonino, morta a 78 anni la storica leader radicale. La malattia degli ultimi anni e una vita di battaglie per i diritti
- Corriere della Sera — Le reazioni alla morte di Emma Bonino | Il dolore degli amici: «Emma ci ha lasciati ma non ci lascerà mai». Meloni: «Voce forte e riconoscibile della politica italiana. Stiamo predisponendo le esequie di Stato»
- ANSA — E' morta Emma Bonino, Mattarella: 'Ha impresso un segno nella vita della Repubblica'. Il cordoglio di Meloni: 'Per decenni una voce forte della politica'
Earlier coverage
- Sep 11, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCItalian politician and former European Commissioner Emma Bonino dies at 78