Emma Bonino Quotes

Powerful Emma Bonino for Daily Growth

About Emma Bonino

Emma Bonino (born March 13, 1948) is an Italian politician, journalist, and European activist who has made significant contributions to the political landscape of Europe, particularly in the areas of human rights, immigration, and foreign policy. Born in Milan, Italy, Bonino was exposed to politics at a young age through her father, Giuseppe Saragat, a prominent Italian politician and former President of the Italian Republic (1971-1978). After studying law at the University of Milan, she began her career as a journalist in 1969, working for several prestigious publications such as L'Espresso and Panorama. In 1972, Bonino co-founded the European Federalist Movement (MFE), an organization advocating for European unity. This experience led to her involvement in the Italian Democratic Party of Proletarian Unity (PDIUP) and eventually the Green Party. Elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1983, Bonino served as Minister for Foreign Trade from 1992 to 1993 under Prime Minister Giuliano Amato's government. During this time, she played a crucial role in negotiating the Maastricht Treaty, which laid the foundation for the European Union (EU) as it exists today. In 1994, Bonino co-founded Rifondazione Comunista and served as Minister for European Affairs from 2000 to 2001 under Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema. She also held the position of Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response in the European Commission (1995-1999) under President Jacques Santer and President Romano Prodi (1999-2004). Throughout her career, Bonino has been a staunch advocate for human rights, particularly women's rights and freedom of speech. She is the author of several books, including "Libera" (Free) (1987), a memoir detailing her experiences as a woman in politics, and "Solo le donne possono salvare l'Europa" (Only Women Can Save Europe) (2006). Bonino continues to be an influential figure in European politics and is known for her unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and fostering unity within the EU.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Freedom is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes."

This quote suggests that the exercise or utilization of freedom strengthens it. In other words, to maintain and increase individual liberties, one must continually act upon them. This could mean participating in democratic processes, expressing diverse opinions, or challenging injustices, thereby fostering a culture where freedom flourishes.


"The only sustainable way to have peace and stability in the world is through justice."

This quote by Emma Bonino suggests that a just society, where everyone's rights are respected and protected, is the key to long-term peace and stability globally. By addressing issues of inequality, injustice, and human rights abuses, we can create conditions that discourage conflict and foster harmony among nations and peoples. This perspective emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in upholding justice and promoting a more peaceful world.


"Women's rights are human rights. Human rights are women's rights."

This quote emphasizes the universality of human rights, stating that the fundamental rights and freedoms that all humans should enjoy, regardless of their gender, nationality, or any other characteristic, specifically include women's rights. It underscores the idea that equality, justice, and protection under the law are not just for men but extend to women as well. By recognizing and advocating for women's rights, we uphold the very essence of human rights and work towards a more equitable society.


"One can never consent to cancel the future."

The quote by Emma Bonino, "One can never consent to cancel the future," is a call to action against complacency or resignation towards the unknown or future possibilities. It encourages people to actively engage in shaping their destiny rather than giving in to the fear of uncertainty or the desire for immediate gratification. This quote conveys optimism, resilience, and the belief that progress is attainable if we are determined to pursue it. In essence, it's a reminder not to let present circumstances limit our potential or the opportunities that the future may hold.


"The challenge for democracy is to make politics attractive again, turning it from a necessary evil into something that is enjoyable and fulfilling."

This quote by Emma Bonino emphasizes the need to rejuvenate and transform the perception of politics, shifting it from being viewed as a begrudging necessity to an engaging and satisfying experience. By making politics more attractive, she suggests that democracy can regain its appeal and inspire greater participation and enthusiasm among citizens, ultimately leading to more effective governance.


Drafting a constitution is only the first step. The constitution has to be granted legitimacy by open discussion and a fair, representative referendum.

- Emma Bonino

Constitution, Discussion, Drafting

The speed of movement towards independence will depend on Kosovo demonstrating that it is capable of treating minorities well. We have not always seen that.

- Emma Bonino

Depend, Will, Always, Treating

The EU should have consolidated its different presences and purposes in Kosovo earlier.

- Emma Bonino

Kosovo, Consolidated, EU

I support the recommendations made by the International Crisis Group. The primary responsibility is for Kosovo Albanians to demonstrate that their treatment of minorities is adequate.

- Emma Bonino

Crisis, Treatment, Adequate, Kosovo

Albania has to demonstrate that it is willing to be a reliable partner in the international community.

- Emma Bonino

Partner, Reliable, Willing, Albania

Kosovo's destiny is clearly to join the European Union at some point.

- Emma Bonino

Destiny, Some, Kosovo

Women are clear-headed, they are more creative and for this reason, sometimes, also more fragile.

- Emma Bonino

Women, Reason, More, Women Are

The two great cultural and political currents of Italy have always only been concerned with the masses.

- Emma Bonino

Always, Cultural, Been, Currents

My mother's studies stopped with the third year of primary school, my father with the first. They taught me a deep sense of duty. But nobody was involved in politics in my family.

- Emma Bonino

Deep, Politics, Stopped, Primary

Macedonia's handling of ethnic relations and other issues is encouraging.

- Emma Bonino

Ethnic, Other, Encouraging, Relations

I was thrown into the Parliament right away. From 1976 to 1978 I was concerned with the abortion issue, later on with that of divorce.

- Emma Bonino

Abortion, Away, Concerned, Right Away

We are aware of the strategic location of Kuwait, besides the stable region.

- Emma Bonino

Aware, Kuwait, Strategic, Region

My mother was a regular church-goer and was very tolerant.

- Emma Bonino

Mother, Very, Tolerant, Regular

A woman must combine the role of mother, wife and politician.

- Emma Bonino

Mother, Mom, Woman, Combine

Men don't have as many difficulties and are more supported to combine the different aspects of their life.

- Emma Bonino

Men, Difficulties, More, Combine

I should have worried about taking responsibilities for which I was not ready.

- Emma Bonino

Which, Responsibilities, Worried

I am positive that flexibility is a feminine characteristic.

- Emma Bonino

I Am, Flexibility, Feminine, Characteristic

The knowledge of languages was very useful. I have a university degree in foreign languages and literature.

- Emma Bonino

Graduation, Literature, Very, Useful

I mean to defend the rights of individuals in a liberal prospect.

- Emma Bonino

Mean, Rights, Defend, Prospect

Women movements would form among the factory workers, a great mobilisation that destroyed the old models.

- Emma Bonino

Destroyed, Factory, Models, Workers

My family had liberal positions.

- Emma Bonino

Family, Had, Positions, Liberal

I think nowadays economic liberties are an explosive issue.

- Emma Bonino

Think, I Think, Issue, Explosive

I met the Radicals and we liked each other reciprocally.

- Emma Bonino

Other, Met, Liked, Radicals

The individual couldn't find any attention in Italy.

- Emma Bonino

Attention, Find, Individual, Italy

I was on leave from local and regional politics, as long as I was a Minister.

- Emma Bonino

Politics, Minister, Regional, Local

I am now concerned with women's issues in a different way: women from Afghanistan, from Cambodia.

- Emma Bonino

Different Way, Concerned, Am, Cambodia

I thought there had to be something I could do because it seemed crazy that, in addition to the psychological tragedy each woman has to face, came also all the rest.

- Emma Bonino

Woman, Rest, Psychological, Tragedy

The fact remains; chauvinism is prevailing.

- Emma Bonino

Fact, Prevailing, Remains

I was very restless, but finally I found my way.

- Emma Bonino

Finally, Found, Very, Restless

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