News of his passing immediately made headlines around the world. Silvio Berlusconi: leader of an economic empire that Forbes valued at 7 billion euros, the result of 40 years of entrepreneurial activity across real estate, banking, and the media. But also four-time Prime Minister, and founder of the center-right party Forza Italia, with which he entered the world of politics in 1994, proposing his famous “contract with the Italians,” which he signed on live television. Since then, he has shaped the public life of the Peninsula. He was the longstanding president of AC Milan football club, with which he won 29 trophies in 31 years (making it the most successful in the history of national football), and more recently of AC Monza. He died at the age of 86 due to chronic leukemia, which he had been battling since 2021.
In Italy, the mourning for an indisputable protagonist, for better or worse, of the country’s history and of the Second Republic – both inside and outside the courtrooms – drew the attention of the worlds of media and politics. The government decided, extraordinarily, to suspend its activities for 7 days. Not only there was a state funeral, but also a day of national mourning and flags at half-mast on public buildings nationwide, as well as in diplomatic and consular representations abroad.
The ceremony in the Duomo of Milan, with access limited to 2,000 people, and followed in the square via giant screens by 10,000, was broadcast on five national channels, three of which were his own. In attendance at the funeral were also the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Senate, and Constitutional Court, as well as several foreign heads of state.
A few seconds after the announcement of his death, the news quickly spread across the web. Among the first to report it were Russian agencies Tass and Ria Novosti, followed by the BBC, The Times, Financial Times, Le Monde, and Spanish newspapers El Mundo and El Pais. Shortly after, all major international media covered his death extensively and made it front-page news, choosing each time to highlight the merits or demerits of a figure who deeply marked the last 30 years.
The Washington Post headlined, “Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian leader and billionaire media mogul dies at 86. He dominated and divided his country for decades through a combination of showman charm, scofflaw bombast and ruthless application of financial and political power.”
The Wall Street Journal titled an article that took nine minutes to read and was accompanied by a slideshow of photographs depicting him with leaders from all over the world, often hosted in his enormous collection of villas, parks, and palaces: “Silvio Berlusconi, Italian media magnate and ex-premier, dies. The three-time premier was a divisive figure who shaped Italian politics and embodied its conservative movement.”
The Los Angeles Times: “Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian leader whose tenure was marred by scandal, dies at 86. Berlusconi was a billionaire media mogul who went on to become Italy’s longest-serving prime minister but who was dogged by corruption and sex scandals.”
CNN: “Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s former showman leader, battled a string of scandals to dominate politics for decades.” This was followed by a six-author article that began, “The flamboyant billionaire and former Italian prime minister who once described himself as the ‘Jesus Christ of politics’, has died at a Milan hospital at the age of 86.” Just a few lines later, it states, “The politician, who was long regarded as Italy’s most colorful public figure, was elected prime minister three times and served for a total of nine years, longer than anyone since fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Il Cavaliere’ (The Knight), his career was marked by a series of political, financial and personal scandals, many of which landed him in court. He was tried on charges ranging from tax evasion and bribery to corruption and having sex with an underage prostitute. But only one case stuck – a 2012 conviction for tax evasion in a deal involving television rights.”
The New York Times titled its long article: “Silvio Berlusconi, a showman who upended Italian politics and culture, dies at 86. He introduced sex and glamour to Italian TV and then brought the same formula to politics, dominating the country and its culture for more than 20 years.”
The Bloomberg Group: “Silvio Berlusconi, Italy leader mired in scandal, dies at 86. Billionaire businessman served nine years as prime minister. Career marked by crises, graft probes, ‘bunga bunga’ parties.”
Time begins the article writing: “Silvio Berlusconi, the boastful billionaire media mogul who was Italy’s longest-serving premier despite scandals over his sex-fueled parties and allegations of corruption, died Monday. He was 86.”
The Economist in the “Obituary-A complicated love affair” section titles: “Silvio Berlusconi was Italy’s great seducer. The republic’s longest-serving prime minister, who was dogged by scandal, has died aged 86.”
Berlusconi, whom the German press called “Europe’s first populist,” always had a strong bond with the United States. Besides his speech at Capitol Hill during the state visit to Washington in March 2006, which received three standing ovations, his personal friendship with George W. Bush is well-known. “He was a dynamic leader. Laura and I were fortunate to spend time with him during my presidency. There was never a dull moment with Silvio.” In his note, the former US president emphasized that “he strengthened the friendship between Italy and the United States, and we are grateful for his support to our alliance.”
Mel Sembler was ambassador to Rome during Bush Jr’s first administration, in the difficult times of 9/11 and US military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and when hopes for cooperation with Russia were high. When interviewed by La Repubblica, he said: “Berlusconi helped the United States during one of the most difficult times in our history. This is a memory of him that outweighs everything else and will remain with us forever. But I am also convinced his successors will continue on the same path of friendship and collaboration with Europe and America, which are the pillars of Italy’s foreign policy.”
Berlusconi’s American relations, from Bill Clinton to Bush Jr to Barack Obama, covered 24 years of Atlantic history and brought three G7 and G8 summits to Italy. Upon learning of the news, the White House spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said: “We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the former Prime Minister, to the government and the people of Italy for his passing. Italy is a long-time friend and ally of the United States and the Prime Minister worked closely with several US administrations to advance our bilateral relations. We stand by the Italian people on the day that marks the passing of its former Prime Minister.” US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, began the scheduled press conference with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was visiting Washington, offering “condolences for the passing of Prime Minister Berlusconi. I’m thinking of you, I’m thinking of Italian people.”
But Berlusconi also had a close relationship with Egyptian President Mubarak, Tunisian Ben Ali, Algerian Bouteflika, and Gaddafi, whom he welcomed to Rome with great honors on the eve of the Arab Spring. In March 2011, he tried until the end to oppose NATO intervention in Libya, convinced that overthrowing the dictatorship was dangerous for the stability of the entire area. Sic transit gloria mundi was his comment on Gaddafi’s death.
As an entrepreneur, Berlusconi revolutionized the world of communication and sport. He was a songwriter, a lover of good life, and a defendant in 36 trials, 4 of which still ongoing. He was hospitalized multiple times for significant ailments, but known for his keenness on cosmetic touch-ups to safeguard his public image. He admitted (despite the long series of judicial troubles and political ups and downs from the 1980s onwards) to having overcome “the most dangerous test of life” by defeating Covid 19, an “infernal disease.”
A multifaceted figure who also made headlines in the main Russian media. Equally well-known was his friendship with Vladimir Putin (a famous photo shows them smiling together, wearing fur hats in a Russian dacha). Their connection was born at the G8 in Genoa in 2001, cemented at Pratica di Mare in 2002, and nurtured by frequent meetings, gifts for their respective birthdays, and vacations together. Putin, in his message of condolences to the Italian President, wrote: “For me, Silvio was a dear person and a true friend.” Later, in a televised interview, he added: “He did a lot for the establishment of partnership and friendly relations between Russia and the countries of Europe and for relations with the Euro-Atlantic alliance,” working towards the creation of “relevant mechanisms of collaboration.”
The pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestiya highlighted that from 1994, when Berlusconi first became Prime Minister, to 2013, trade between Italy and Russia increased from 4.4 billion dollars to 53 billion. The financial newspaper Vedomosti, remembering that the Russian leader was a guest in Berlusconi’s villa in Sardinia, also emphasized Berlusconi’s critical stance towards the unconditional support of Western governments for Kyiv in the Ukrainian conflict.
Condolences arrived on Twitter from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “Saddened by the news,” writes the spokesperson’s account, “he sends sincere condolences to the people and government of Italy, as well as to the family.” The same channel was used by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, “He was a significant figure in Italian politics for several decades.” European Council President Charles Michel wrote, “He was a member of the European Council for almost nine years,” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, “He led Italy at a time of political transition and has continued to shape his beloved country since then.” Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, who belongs to his same political alignment, the European People’s Party, remembered “the fighter who led the center-right and who was a protagonist of politics in Italy and Europe for generations. He left his mark and will not be forgotten. Thank you, Silvio.”
A telegram to the eldest of his 5 children conveyed the condolences of Pope Francis, who was informed of the death during his post-surgery convalescence in the hospital. “His Holiness invokes from the Lord eternal peace for him and consolation of the heart for those who mourn his departure,” wrote Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Among the first messages was that of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella: “I receive with deep sadness the news of the death of Silvio Berlusconi, founder and leader of Forza Italia, a protagonist of long seasons of Italian politics and republican institutions. Berlusconi was a great political leader who marked the history of our Republic, influencing paradigms, customs, and languages.” Premier Giorgia Meloni, his ally in the incumbent government, said in a video message: “He was above all a fighter, he was a man who was never afraid to defend his convictions and it was exactly that courage and determination that made him one of the most influential men in Italian history, allowing him to make real changes in the world of politics, communication, and business.” He was the charismatic “protagonist of 50 years of Italian history,” former Prime Minister and former governor of Bankitalia and the ECB Mario Draghi said.
In 2013 Berlusconi, who remained somehow an outsider also for his spectacular and out-of-line gestures, gaffes, sexist jokes, and politically incorrect behavior, said in a radio broadcast: “The epitaph I would like on my tomb when I go? My mother dictated it to me once and it is this: ‘he was a good and righteous man’.” But, perhaps, it’s a joke he told in 2017 during a Forza Italia convention that best describes his joyful spirit: “When Berlusconi ascended to heaven, the Eternal Father wanted to meet him immediately. But his interview lasted much longer than the usual three minutes. When he finally came out after 2 hours, with a hand on Berlusconi’s shoulder, the souls heard: ‘Silvio, your idea to turn Paradise into a joint-stock company and list it on the Stock Exchange appealed to me a lot’. While everyone was already laughing, he added: “There’s just one thing I don’t understand: why should I be the vice president?”.
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