Emma Bonino

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

I felt that what is personal is political.

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

My family had liberal positions.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

The individual couldn’t find any attention in Italy.

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.

I think nowadays economic liberties are an explosive issue.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am positive that flexibility is a feminine characteristic.

The fact remains; chauvinism is prevailing.

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

I met the Radicals and we liked each other reciprocally.

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.

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

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

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.