Mario Capanna (born 10 January 1945) is an Italian politician and writer.

Born in Città di Castello, he studied Philosophy at the Catholic University of Milan, and was the leader of the Italian students' movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Capanna was charismatic leader of the latter until 27 June 1987, when he resigned, succeeded by Giovanni Russo Spena.

Capanna was elected for the DP to the Italian Chamber of Deputies (1983–1987), and to the European Parliament (1979).

Capanna is currently President of the Committee for Genetical Rights, an independent association devoted to information on Biotechnology.