Emma Bonino, one of Italy’s most prominent political figures and a veteran campaigner for abortion and divorce rights, has died aged 78.
Bonino, a long-time radical activist, built a political career spanning decades and earned respect across Italy’s political divide for her work on social, political and humanitarian causes.
She was a former member of Italy’s Radical Party and later founded the More Europe party. She also served as Italy’s foreign minister and as a European commissioner.
The More Europe party described her as a major figure in Italy’s political history.
“Today we lose not only our leader but also one of the most clear-sighted, courageous and free figures in the political history of our country,” the party said in a statement on Facebook.
Bonino was particularly known for her feminist activism and campaigns supporting abortion and divorce rights.
Her death also drew tributes from political opponents, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who praised Bonino despite their political differences.
“Although our backgrounds and perspectives differed, that never prevented me from acknowledging her significance and her role in our nation’s public life,” Ms Meloni said.
Bonino remained a respected voice in Italian politics, particularly on civil liberties, human rights and humanitarian issues.
