According to reports from Italian media, former Italian prime minister, and sitting senator in the Italian parliament, Silvio Berlusconi is dead.
86-year-old Silvio Berlusconi was hospitalized last week for planned medical checks related to his chronic leukemia. He was also said to have recently developed a lung infection. No official cause of death has been released.
According to a spokesperson, Berlusconi died at Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, where he was admitted on Friday. His five children, partner Marta Fascina and younger brother Paolo were said to be with him
Silvio served as Italy’s prime minister multiple times starting in 1994. He was known for his polarising policies, flamboyant lifestyle, and constant legal woes which tainted Italy’s image in the world.
He was known as be a close friend of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and for his “bunga bunga” sex parties. Berlusconi held that Putin was not to blame for the invasion of Ukraine, saying Moscow only wanted to put “decent people” in charge.
The Italian government declared a day of national mourning and flags will fly at half mast until Wednesday, when a state funeral will be held in Milan Cathedral.
His death may send shockwaves through his Forza Italia party and his MFE (MFEB.MI) company empire faces an uncertain future never publicly indicated who would take full charge.
Berlusconi’s passing wasmournedby political allies and rivals at home and leaders abroad, including Putin who said he was “a true friend”. “I have always sincerely admired his wisdom, his ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations”, he said.
“We fought, won, lost many battles with him, and also for him we will bring home the goals that we had jointly set ourselves. Farewell Silvio”, Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said.
Enrico Letta, a former centre-left premier, wrote on Twitter: “Berlusconi made the history of our country. His death marks one of those moments in which everyone, whether or not they backed his choices, feels affected.”
Another former premier Mario Draghi, a non-partisan figure and one-time head of the European Central Bank, said Berlusconi “transformed politics and was loved by millions of Italians for his humanity and charisma.”
Berlusconi is survived by 33-year-old Fascina, whom he refers to as his wife even though they are not married, two ex-spouses, five children, more than a dozen grandchildren and one great grandson.
