Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy who served four times while being embroiled in many scandals, has died at the age of 86.
He passed away in the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. In April, he had treatment for a lung infection related to his leukemia.
Italy will observe a national day of mourning on Wednesday due to the “huge void” left by Berlusconi’s death, as stated by the country’s defense minister.
He survived sex and corruption scandals to become Italy’s longest-serving prime minister after the war.
Starting with his political debut in 1994, the media magnate presided over four administrations up to his final one in 2011.
In September, Berlusconi’s center-right Forza Italia party formed a government under the leadership of the right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In light of this information, Ms. Meloni referred to her predecessor as a “fighter.” Also, In a video message, she praised him as “one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.”
To which her deputy, Matteo Salvini, responded with “brokenness” and thanks to Berlusconi for his “friendship,” “advice,” and “generosity.”
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said, “An era is over… Farewell Silvio.” In a tweet, Mr. Crosetto lamented the “huge void” his death had created.
The Italian government has declared Wednesday, the day of Berlusconi’s funeral in Milan Cathedral, a national day of mourning.
A spokesperson told the press that beginning on Monday, all Italian and European flags placed on public structures across the country will be flown at half-mast.
Even Vladimir Putin, who called Berlusconi a “true friend,” sent his respects. Russia’s leader said in a statement that Berlusconi was someone he had always admired for his “wisdom” and “ability to make balanced, long-term decisions.”
French President Emmanuel Macron sent condolences to Berlusconi’s family and the Italian people on behalf of his country.
The speaker referred to Berlusconi as “a major figure in contemporary Italy” and said he had been “at the forefront of the political scene for many years,” beginning with his election as a member of parliament in 1994 and continuing through the senatorial mandate he had until his dying days.
As White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre put it, “Berlusconi worked closely with several US administrations on advancing our bilateral relationship,” and the United States counts Italy as a major ally.
The chronic myelomonocyte leukemia that Berlusconi was diagnosed with in April was a rare form of blood cancer.
After he got Covid in 2020, he had recurring health problems. There has been no official confirmation of the cause of death.
The 1936 Milan native Berlusconi began his professional life selling vacuum cleaners before starting a building company.
Through the establishment of a publishing business, advertising agency, and television network, he eventually became one of Italy’s richest men.
In addition, he gained worldwide notoriety as the owner of the legendary football team AC Milan, which he saved from bankruptcy in 1986.
Real Madrid’s current manager, Carlo Ancelotti, played for and was managed by AC Milan under Berlusconi. Ancelotti now coaches at Real Madrid.
After winning the Champions League twice with Berlusconi’s AC Milan, Ancelotti remarked that the former prime minister was instrumental in his growth “first as a football player, and then as a coach.”
Berlusconi was a divisive figure in politics. He was admired by some for his economic expertise and populist zeal but reviled by others for his seeming disregard for the rule of law.
Throughout his time in politics, he was dogged by allegations of bribery, tax fraud, and having sex with an underage prostitute. His senior age and the expiration of statutes of limitations meant that he avoided jail time despite being found guilty of the same crimes many times.
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