Italy salutes Silvio Berlusconi, a "fighter" who marked the history of the country

The head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni hailed the memory of her ally Silvio Berlusconi, who died Monday at 86, seeing in him "one of the most influential men in the history of Italy", like other personalities of the peninsula. “Silvio Berlusconi was above all a fighter. He was a man who was not afraid to defend his convictions and it was precisely his courage and his determination that made him one of the most influential men in the history of Italy”, a- she said in a video sent by her cabinet.

"Berlusconi was a great political leader who marked the history of our Republic", reacted the Head of State Sergio Mattarella in a press release, praising "a person of great humanity and a successful entrepreneur".

“Today, a great Italian is leaving us. One of the greatest ever, in all areas. But today I especially lose a great friend. I am devastated and I rarely cry but today it is the case”, reacted his ally Matteo Salvini, head of the Anti-migrant League. “Immense pain. Simply thank you President, thank you Silvio”, tweeted his right arm Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

On Canale 5, the main private general channel of the Mediaset group owned by Silvio Berlusconi, the presenters announced in tears the death of the media magnate. "It's the worst thing we could (have to) do today," said presenter Federica Panicucci in a sobbing voice. "Thank you President, forever with us," reacted his former club AC Milan, which he owned for more than 30 years (1986-2017), saying he was "deeply saddened".

AC Monza, a football club owned since 2018 by Silvio Berlusconi, and Adriano Galiani, the businessman's long-time right-hand man and former head of government, said they were "mourning the disappearance" of the "Cavaliere". His political adversaries also paid tribute to him. "The greatness must be recognized even to the adversaries", reacted the former Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini (left). “An era ends with the death of Silvio Berlusconi. Everything has divided us and everything divides us (…) but what remains is the human respect due to the one who has been a protagonist in the history of our country”, reacted Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party ( PD, centre-left), main opposition party.

“He inflamed and polarized public debate perhaps like no other, and even those who faced him as a political opponent must recognize that he never lacked courage, passion, tenacity,” greeted Giuseppe Conte, former Prime Minister and leader of the 5 Star Movement (M5S). “Silvio Berlusconi was a great protagonist in our history. A world leader who fought for a stronger, more democratic Europe,” commented Sandro Gozi, Renaissance MEP and Secretary General of the European Democratic Party (EDP).

Treated at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan (North) for leukemia, Silvio Berlusconi entered it on Friday after having already made multiple stays there. According to Italian media, he had recently been unresponsive to cancer treatment.