Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy known for his significant influence on the country’s political and cultural landscape, has passed away at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by his spokesman to AFP on Monday, marking the end of a tumultuous and controversial era in Italian politics.
Berlusconi had been admitted to a hospital in Milan on Friday for planned medical tests related to his leukemia, as stated by his aides. This hospitalization followed a six-week stay at Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, during which doctors disclosed that he was suffering from a rare form of blood cancer.
Throughout the years, Berlusconi faced various health issues, including heart surgery in 2016 and a hospitalization for COVID-19 in 2020. Despite being re-elected to the Senate in the previous year, he had been rarely seen in public. Nevertheless, he retained his position as the official leader of the right-wing Forza Italia party, which formed a part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition government, occasionally causing complications within the alliance.
Berlusconi served as Italy’s prime minister on three separate occasions, spanning a total of nine years from 1994 to 2011. He captivated voters with promises of economic prosperity, but his tenure was ultimately marred by a severe debt crisis that gripped the country, leading to his resignation. Nonetheless, his impact extended far beyond politics due to his vast media empire, which encompassed television networks, newspapers, and sports interests. Furthermore, his playboy lifestyle and scandalous escapades ensured his constant presence in the headlines, even during his final years.
Reacting to the news of Berlusconi’s passing, former prime minister Matteo Renzi expressed his thoughts on Facebook, acknowledging the historical significance of Berlusconi’s contributions. Renzi stated, “Silvio Berlusconi made history in this country. Many loved him, many hated him: today, everyone must recognize that his influence on politics, economics, sports, and television was unparalleled.”
Surviving Berlusconi are his 33-year-old girlfriend, Marta Fascina, as well as two ex-wives and five children, some of whom are involved in the management of his vast empire, estimated to be valued at approximately seven billion dollars.
Although details regarding his funeral arrangements are yet to be disclosed, it is worth noting that Berlusconi had constructed an opulent marble mausoleum, inspired by ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, at his villa in Arcore near Milan. This mausoleum was intended to serve as the final resting place for his family and close friends upon their demise.
The passing of Silvio Berlusconi marks the end of an era in Italian politics, leaving behind a legacy that remains both celebrated and criticized. As Italy mourns the loss of a controversial and influential figure, the nation reflects on the complex impact he had on their political, economic, and cultural spheres.
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