Emilio Colombo (11 April 1920 – 24 June 2013) was an Italian politician who was Prime Minister of Italy from 1970 to 1972. In addition to having held top positions in Italian governments, he was also active in European politics. In 2003 he was appointed to be an Italian senator-for-life, a seat which he held until his death. In the first five years as senator, he was an independent. During the 16th term of the Senate in 2008-2013, he opted to join the parliamentary group UDC-independence.

Early life and education

Colombo was born in Potenza, Basilicata on 11 April 1920. He held a law degree.

Career

Colombo entered politics as a member of the Christian Democratic Party. Having held several cabinet posts, he was Prime Minister of Italy from 1970 until his resignation in 1972. Later he became President of the European Parliament (occupying that office from 1977 until 1979) and Foreign Minister of Italy (from 1980 until 1983, and again from 1992 until 1993). A decade after he last held that position, then President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi bestowed Italy's highest political honour on him, by nominating him Senator for life.

After the inconclusive elections on 24-25 February 2013 and the following difficulties of the hung Senate in electing a presiding officer, Colombo became acting Speaker of the Senate, being the most senior member, until the election of Pietro Grasso on 16 March 2013.

After the death of Giulio Andreotti on 6 May 2013, Colombo became the last surviving member of the Italian Constituent Assembly.

Personal life

Shortly after this, in November 2003, he admitted to have used cocaine (for "therapeutic purposes") over a 12- to 18-month period, and to be a homosexual.

Colombo died in Rome on 24 June 2013.