Former Italian prime minister and media magnate Silvio Berlusconi died on Monday at the age of 86. As a politician, media magnate and businessman, Berlusconi was a controversial and important figure in Italy.
Berlusconi was admitted to San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on Friday, where he died today. Earlier this year, he spent 45 days in hospital with a lung infection as a result of his chronic leukaemia.
The politician had been struggling with his health for years. He also ended up in hospital after being infected with the corona virus.
Berlusconi led Forza Italia, a coalition party in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, until his death. Although he played no role in Meloni’s government, according to news agency Reuters likely that his death will test the stability of the coalition in the coming months.
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Sex scandals, corruption and tax fraud
As a senator, Berlusconi has mainly been in the news in recent years because of the many lawsuits against him and because of 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 dressing rooms if they beat a top Serie A team. He was also friends with Russian president Vladimir Putin. He defended him after the invasion of Ukraine.
Berlusconi served as Prime Minister of Italy three times. The businessman and billionaire was a sensation both at home and abroad. His life was marked by power, but also by sex scandals and constant accusations of corruption and tax fraud.
‘End of an era’
As reporters gather in front of Milan’s hospital, news of Berlusconi’s death is met with widespread response. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto says the former prime minister has left a “huge void”. “An era has come to an end.”
Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also 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 responded to the death of the club owner in a statement on the website. “A void that can never be filled. Forever with us. Thank you for everything, President,” it read.
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2023-06-12 08:41:00
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