Former Italian PM Berlusconi Memorialized... Meloni: "He Was a True Fighter"

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's longest-serving prime minister and a key partner in the ruling coalition, passed away on the 12th (local time) at the age of 86, prompting waves of mourning across Italy and around the world.

According to major foreign media, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to the late leader through a video message on the same day, saying, "Berlusconi was a true fighter," and "He was fearless in standing by his beliefs, and it was precisely that courage and determination that made him one of the most influential figures in Italian history." Prime Minister Meloni added, "We fought many battles together, winning and losing, and for him, we will achieve the goals we set together."

Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, also praised the late leader, saying, "Today, a great Italian has bid us farewell," and "He was the greatest figure in every field and from every perspective, incomparable to anyone else." Salvini added, "Above all, today I lost a wonderful friend."

Berlusconi, who led the center-right Forza Italia (FI), formed a coalition with hard-right parties such as Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) and Salvini's League (Lega) to achieve a landslide victory in the early general election last September.

Berlusconi played the role of 'kingmaker' by elevating Meloni to become Italy's first female prime minister. With the passing of Berlusconi, a pillar of the ruling coalition, it is expected that Italy's political landscape may become unstable in the coming months.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Mourning messages continued worldwide. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia and a '20-year friend' of former Prime Minister Berlusconi, also joined the condolences. President Putin, who maintained a close friendship with Berlusconi during his lifetime, expressed that his passing is an "irreparable sorrow."

In a telegram message sent to the Italian presidential office, President Putin stated, "Silvio was a precious person and a true friend to me," and expressed respect for "his wisdom and ability to make far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations."

Unlike Prime Minister Meloni, who has taken a tough stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Berlusconi stirred controversy with remarks that seemed to defend President Putin's position.

President Putin said that Berlusconi will be remembered as someone who "principledly" supported strengthening bilateral relations in Russia and praised him as "a true patriot who always put the interests of his homeland first."

Similarly, Viktor Orb?n, who is also pro-Russian, released a message of condolence, calling him "a great fighter who has departed."

Pope Francis expressed his sincere condolences in a message to Berlusconi's eldest daughter, Marina, saying, "I sincerely join in mourning the loss of a protagonist of Italian politics who took on public responsibility with an energetic temperament."

A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, "Berlusconi had a significant impact on Italian politics for decades. We extend our condolences to the Italian people and his family."

Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank (ECB) and former Prime Minister, expressed "deep condolences," saying, "As an entrepreneur, he transformed the worlds of communication and sports with outstanding drive and innovation." He also reflected on Berlusconi as a political leader who "changed politics and was loved by the Italian people for his humanity and charisma."

AC Milan, the prestigious Italian football club of which Berlusconi was owner from 1986 to 2017, stated, "Our club is plunged into deep sorrow," and "We mourn Berlusconi's passing and extend our condolences to his family, colleagues, and dearest friends. You will always be with us."

Paolo Gentiloni, former Italian Prime Minister and European Union (EU) Commissioner for Economy, expressed sadness, saying, "A leader who left a deep mark on Italy for decades has passed away," and "Today is a moment of mourning for everyone."

Berlusconi, a conglomerate heir who led construction and media groups and served as Italy's prime minister three times, was dishonorably forced out of politics due to scandals involving underage prostitution and tax evasion but returned to the Senate last September after a 10-year hiatus following the general election. Recently diagnosed with pulmonary infection due to chronic myelogenous leukemia, his condition worsened, and he passed away at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on the day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.