Ex-Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86, national mourning declared

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who held office four times despite numerous scandals, has passed away at the age of 86. He was being treated at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan for a lung infection related to leukaemia. Italy’s defence minister announced that Berlusconi’s death leaves a “huge void” in the country, with a national day of mourning set for Wednesday.

Berlusconi was the longest-serving prime minister in post-war Italy, leading four governments between 1994 and 2011. In September last year, his centre-right Forza Italia party joined a coalition under right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni paid tribute to Berlusconi, describing him as a “fighter” and “one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.” Her deputy, Matteo Salvini, expressed his gratitude for Berlusconi’s “friendship,” “advice,” and “generosity.”

The Italian government has declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday, coinciding with Berlusconi’s funeral at Milan Cathedral. Flags on public buildings across the country will be lowered to half-mast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Berlusconi a “true friend” and praised his “wisdom” and “ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions.” French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Berlusconi as “a major figure in contemporary Italy” and expressed condolences on behalf of the French people. In the United States, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted Italy as a significant US ally and noted that Berlusconi had “worked closely with several US administrations on advancing our bilateral relationship.”

Berlusconi had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelomonocyte leukaemia, in April. His health had been in decline since contracting Covid-19 in 2020. The exact cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.

Born in Milan in 1936, Berlusconi began his career selling vacuum cleaners before establishing a construction company. He went on to become one of Italy’s wealthiest individuals, amassing a business empire that included television networks, publishing companies, and advertising agencies. Additionally, he gained international fame as the owner of renowned football club AC Milan, which he rescued from bankruptcy in 1986.

Carlo Ancelotti, former AC Milan player and manager who now leads the Real Madrid team, remembered Berlusconi as a “loyal, intelligent, sincere man.” Ancelotti credited the former Prime Minister for playing a fundamental role in his journey “as a football player first, and then as a coach.”

Despite his business success and populist appeal, Berlusconi was a divisive figure in Italian politics. Critics condemned his disregard for the rule of law, while he faced multiple legal issues, including charges of bribery, tax fraud, and sex with an underage prostitute. Although convicted on several occasions, he never served jail time due to his age and the expiry of statutes of limitations.