Sad news: Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian PM known for his resilience in the face of scandals and allegations, has passed away at the age of 86, according to Italian media quoted by news agency AFP.
He peacefully left us at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had been admitted for planned tests related to his leukemia. Just three weeks ago, he was discharged after a six-week stay at the hospital, during which it was revealed he had a rare type of blood cancer.
Throughout the years, Berlusconi battled various health issues, from heart surgery in 2016 to a recent hospitalization due to COVID-19 in 2020. His passing has left a ‘huge void,’ as expressed by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Twitter, who added, ‘I loved him very much. Farewell Silvio.’
Despite his departure, Silvio Berlusconi remained the official head of the right-wing Forza Italia party, which is a junior partner in Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition government.
Serving as Italy’s prime minister three times from 1994 to 2011, totaling nine years, Berlusconi made a significant impact on the country’s political landscape.
He is survived by his 33-year-old girlfriend Marta Fascina, two ex-wives, and five children. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Silvio Berlusconi.
5 Points On Italy’s Former Prime Minister
- Silvio Berlusconi: Former Italian PM, represented a golden age of the economy. Served three terms as Prime Minister before a tax fraud conviction led to a six-year political ban.
- Survived by his 33-year-old girlfriend, Marta Fascina, two ex-wives, and five children, some of whom are involved in running his estimated $6.3 billion-dollar empire, as reported by Forbes.
- Despite his infrequent public appearances, Mr. Berlusconi was re-elected to the Senate last year. He continued to hold the official leadership position of the right-wing Forza Italia party, which serves as a junior partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition government.
- According to Forbes, Mr. Berlusconi established the media group Fininvest in the late 1970s, which played a significant role in introducing popular American shows like ‘Baywatch’ to Italy.
- Mr. Berlusconi’s fortune, shared with his five children, encompassed holdings in media, publishing, and banking companies. In recent years, he faced multiple hospitalizations, including a battle with COVID-19.
