Italian politician and former European Commissioner Emma Bonino dies at 78
Former European Commissioner and veteran Italian politician Emma Bonino has died in Rome at the age of 78, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.
Emma Bonino, a prominent Italian politician, former European Commissioner, and long-time civil rights advocate, has died at the age of 78 in Rome. Her death was confirmed by her political party, +Europa, following a recent hospitalization for a respiratory crisis.
Bonino was a leading figure in Italian liberal and radical politics for over five decades. She played a key role in historic campaigns for civil rights, including legalizing abortion and divorce, and served as European Commissioner from 1995 to 1999. She also served as Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Tributes poured in across the political spectrum. Italian President Sergio Mattarella stated she "impressed a mark on the life of the Republic," while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised her as a "strong voice" in Italian politics, adding that state funeral arrangements are underway.
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 12, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCItalian political icon Emma Bonino dies at 78