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Death of Italian politician Emma Bonino

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2026-09-11 11:36 UTC → 2026-09-11 12:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Emma Bonino, the 78-year-old leader of +Europa and a prominent figure in Italian and European politics, was hospitalized in Rome on September 7 following a severe respiratory crisis. While initially described as being in delicate condition but remaining conscious and alert in the intensive care unit at Santo Spirito hospital, she subsequently passed away. Her death marks the end of a five-decade career characterized by her leadership in the Radical Party and Più Europa. Bonino was a significant advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, international justice, and European federalism, having served in roles such as European Commissioner and Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. She also held positions as Minister of International Trade and Minister for European Policies. Beginning her political journey in the 1970s alongside Marco Pannella, she was elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies in 1976 and later served in the European Parliament and the Italian Senate. Throughout her career, she championed causes including women's autonomy, the legalization of abortion, and the fight against the death penalty. Notably, she co-founded the CISA center in 1975 and was a central figure in Italian campaigns for divorce and abortion rights, using civil disobedience to highlight the dangers of clandestine abortions and contributing to the eventual passage of Law 194. Beyond Italy, she was a staunch advocate for European integration, often championing the concept of a ‘United States of Europe.’ Her international work included combating global hunger and supporting international justice through the establishment of tribunals for war crimes. Following her passing, political leaders across the spectrum expressed condolences. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni acknowledged Bonino as a “significant and recognizable voice in the nation's public life,” while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also recognized her impact on the country's democratic and social fabric.

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