Joe Bossano
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| Joe Bossano | |
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| In office 25 March 1988 – 17 May 1996 |
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| Preceded by | Adolfo Canepa |
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| Succeeded by | Peter Caruana |
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| Born | June 1939 Gibraltar |
| Political party | Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party |
| Spouse | ? |
Joseph John Bossano, known as Joe Bossano, is a Gibraltarian politician, and leader of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party. He was Chief Minister from 25 March 1988 to 17 May 1996. Since that time he has been Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.
Bossano was a trade unionist who started his political career with the Integration with Britain Party, for which he was elected a member of the House of Assembly in 1972. He left the IWBP in 1975 to form the Gibraltar Democratic Movement, which later became the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party.
His hardline stance against any sovereignty deal with Spain (using the slogan "Give Spain No Hope") caused considerable friction with governments in London and Madrid, although as Chief Minister he maintained good relations with Spanish politicians at municipal level. During his time in office, Bossano also oversaw significant economic change, resulting from the decline of traditional sources of employment, such as the Ministry of Defence, and the creation of a private sector economy based on offshore finance and tourism.
He also oversaw the introduction of the 1st July law which seriously distinguished between Gibraltarian and non-Gibraltarian British residents of Gibraltar.
The manoeuvering for the succession of the GSLP has led to Fabian Picardo being tipped as the hot favourite to replace Bossano and the defection of Daniel Feetham to the GSD (through at least two other party/groupings). It is in the nature of Gibraltarian political parties that they struggle to survive the resignation of their founder/leader. It is yet to be seen if the GSLP can survive without Joe Bossano.
| Preceded by Adolfo Canepa |
Chief Minister of Gibraltar 1988–1996 |
Succeeded by Peter Caruana |
