Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi died this Monday at the age of 86. As a politician, media mogul and businessman, Berlusconi was an important and controversial figure in Italy.
Berlusconi was admitted to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Friday, where he died today. Earlier this year, he was in the hospital for 45 days with a lung infection due to his chronic leukemia.
The politician had been struggling with his health for years. He also ended up in the hospital after contracting coronavirus.
Until his death, Berlusconi led Forza Italia, a coalition party in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Although he played no role in Meloni’s government, according to the news agency Reuters His death is likely to test the stability of the coalition in the coming months.
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Sexual scandals, corruption and tax fraud
As a senator, Berlusconi has been in the news in recent years mainly due to the numerous judicial proceedings against him and his striking statements. At the end of last year he promised the players of his football club, AC Monza, that he would send prostitutes to the locker room if they won against a top Serie A team. He was also a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the invasion of Ukraine he still defended it.
Berlusconi was four times Prime Minister of Italy. The businessman and billionaire was a controversial figure both at home and abroad. His life was marked by power, but also by sexual scandals and constant accusations of corruption and tax fraud.
See old images from the life of former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi
Putin also regrets the death of Berlusconi
As journalists gather en masse in front of the Milan hospital, there is a massive response to the news of Berlusconi’s death. Prime Minister Meloni (Fratelli d’Italia) calls Berlusconi “a brave fighter” in a video message. “He was a man who was not afraid to defend his beliefs and his courage and determination made him one of the most influential men in Italian history.”
Matteo Salvini, leader of coalition partner Lega, says he has “lost a friend.” “You have meant a lot to Italy and you leave a void that is difficult to fill.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Berlusconi “a dear person, a true friend” in response to the news of his death. “I sincerely admire his wisdom, his ability to make balanced and forward-thinking decisions, even in the most difficult situations.”
‘End of era’
The Italian Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, also affirms that the former prime minister leaves a “huge void.” “An era has come to an end.”
Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pays tribute to Berlusconi. “Many loved him, many hated him. But everyone must recognize that his influence on politics, economics, sports and television is unparalleled,” he writes.
AC Monza has also responded to the death of the club’s owner. “A void that can never be filled. Forever with us. Thank you for everything, president.”
Berlusconi receives a state funeral in Milan Cathedral. The farewell will take place on Wednesday.
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