Silvio Berlusconi, an Italian politician and billionaire, died on Monday, June 12, at the age of 86. The previous President of the Council of Ministers was a legendary figure not only in politics, but also in sports, as the owner of AC Milan. Many world leaders praised him.

Silvio Berlusconi 


The death of Silvio Berlusconi elicited a wide range of responses in Italy. Because of his tumultuous personality, the former head of government has long been revered in the world of politics. Many commemorative comments arose following the revelation of his death on Monday, June 12th, from Vladimir Putin, Rishi Sunak, Giorgia Meloni, Pope Francis, and even the AC Milan team. "A protagonist of Italian political life who has assumed public responsibilities with an energetic temperament," said a message to the pope, who is now sick.


A "true friend" for Vladimir Putin

In a sympathy message to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Vladimir Putin emphasized his affinity with the industrialist. "For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend." The Russian president praised this "true patriot's" "wisdom," "incredible vital energy," "optimism," and "sense of humor," saying he had "made an invaluable personal contribution" to Russian-Italian ties.


Other leaders were quick to respond on social media. "Rest in peace, my friend," tweeted Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, captioning a photo of himself with Silvio Berlusconi on Twitter, saluting a "great fighter."


"Silvio Berlusconi left a significant imprint on Italian politics for several decades," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said through his official spokeswoman. Everyone revered the previous leader of the Italian government, and everyone remembered the indelible impression he made on the world of politics. Starting with the Spaniard Alberto Nez Feijóo, head of the People's Party (PP, right-wing opposition) and frontrunner in the July 23 parliamentary elections, who lauded the Italian's career.


In Italy, the majority of politicians, including Giorgia Meloni, wished to express their respect for Silvio Berlusconi. The head of the Council of Ministers praised the memory of her qualified friend as "one of the most influential men in the history of Italy" who "was not afraid to defend his convictions" due to his "courage" and "determination" in a video distributed by her cabinet.


One thing is certain: the businessman's influence on the world is ever-present. "Many loved him, many hated him: everyone today must recognize that his impact on political life, but also economic, sports, and television, has been unprecedented," said former Prime Minister and Senator Matteo Renzi (center) on Facebook.


On the other side, it's the same story. "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, or tenacity," said Giuseppe Conte, former Prime Minister and head of the Five Star Movement (M5S).


The French right and far-right paid tribute to former Italian Council President Silvio Berlusconi on Monday, calling him a "statesman" with a "dazzling career." "An atypical character, with an extraordinary life and a dazzling career, Silvio Berlusconi has undeniably marked Italian political life," tweeted Marine Le Pen, head of the National Rally of Deputies, upon the revelation of the sulphurous 86-year-old billionaire's death.


Referring to the former prime minister's "outspokenness" and "unprecedented style," RN president Jordan Bardella also stated that "Silvio Berlusconi marked an entire era in his country."


For his part, Republican President Éric Ciotti paid homage to a "true monument of politics in Italy and a statesman whom he served with all his might" on the same social network. His death "will leave a huge void within the European right," Senator LR Stéphane Le Rudulier stated, adding that "his fight against communism and to propel Italy into the twenty-first century will remain achievements that will survive him."


Silvio Berlusconi was not only a politician, but he was also the president of the Italian club AC Milan from 1986 to 2017. Passionate with football, the billionaire won the European Cup of champion clubs twice during his tenure (1989 and 1990). His death comes as a huge blow to the Milanese. "Thank you President, you will always be with us," the club wrote. "Silvio Berlusconi changed the history of Italian football," claimed Gabriele Gravina, head of the Italian Football Federation. 


Carlo Ancelotti, who played for and later coached the Milanese club during the Cavaliere's tenure, expressed his "infinite gratitude to the president." Since 2018, the ex-statesman has been the primary stakeholder of AC Monza, a top-tier Italian football club. 



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