Born in Bra (Cuneo) Italy, on 9 March 1948.

Degree in foreign languages and literature from the Bocconi University of Milan (1972).

1975
     Founder of CISA (Centro informazione, sterilizzazione e aborto); to provide women with medical
     assistance
1976
     Elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies; re-elected at every subsequent election (1979, 1983,
     1987, 1992, 1994). Has held such offices as that of chairman of the parliamentary group of the
     Radical Party and member of the Bureau of the Parliament
1978
     Prime mover of a referendum against nuclear energy, which resulted in the blocking of the civil
     nuclear power in Italy
1979
     Elected to the European Parliament; re-elected in 1984
1981
     Founders member and then secretary of 'Food and Disarmament International'
1987
     Promoter of international human, civil and political rights campaigns in the countries of Eastern
     Europe
1991
     Active supporter of an anti-prohibition and harm-reduction policy on drugs; again through
     parliamentary, referendum and civil disobedience campaigns
1991-93
     Chairman of the transnational and cross-party Radical Party
1993-94
     Elected Secretary of the Party