Italy mourns former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi demise

Italy is mourning former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s demise.

The media mogul-turned-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who defied scandals to tower over his public life for decades, has died aged 86.

• Media tycoon with assets in television and print
• Net worth of $7 billion in April 2023.
• Served as PM of Italy in four governments from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011.
• Owned A.C. Milan from 1986 to 2017

As reported, Italy’s longest-serving premier died on Monday at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had spent six weeks this spring undergoing treatment for a lung infection linked to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia before being readmitted.

The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, “Silvio Berlusconi was above all a fighter. He was a man who was never afraid to stand up for his convictions, and it was exactly that courage and determination that made him one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.”

The brash media mogul revolutionized Italian television using privately owned channels to become the country’s most polarizing and prosecuted prime minister.

Despite the scandals, he remained an active politician until his death.

Politicians, sports icons, world leaders, allies, and critics extended tributes to the former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Italy’s former prime minister Matteo Renzi described Berlusconi as a history-maker. He said, “Many loved him, many hated him; today everyone must recognize that his impact on political life but also on economic, sporting, and television life was unprecedented.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Berlusconi as a close and wise friend.

“For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend. I have always sincerely admired his wisdom, his ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations,” Putin said.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a tweet said, “Saddened to learn that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has passed away. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and the people of Italy.”

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Berlusconi’s death “leaves a huge void because he was great”.

“An era is over, an era is closing,” he said.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “Today’s sadness doesn’t erase the happy moments spent together. There remains infinite gratitude to the president, but above all to an ironic, loyal, intelligent, sincere man, fundamental in my adventure as a football player first, and then as a coach.”

Carlo Ancelotti won the Champions League as AC Milan’s coach when Berlusconi owned the club.