From Putin’s “dear friend” to AC Milan’s “unforgettable president”. Reactions to Berlusconi’s Death

Current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the right-wing coalition that includes Forza Italia founded by Berlusconi, singled out the businessman and politician as “one of the most influential men in Italy’s history”. With that in mind, with him, the country “learned not to allow limits to be imposed on it anymore. With him, we fought many battles, won and lost, and for him, together, we will accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Goodbye, Silvio”, posted on social media. He said in a video message.

Further From the other side of the Italian political barrier, the former prime minister’s death was mourned. The leader of the center-left Democratic Party expressed his “deepest condolences” to Berlusconi’s family, supporters, members of his party and ruling coalition. “Everything that separates us separates us from his political vision, but there is a humane respect to be paid to a man who was a hero in our country’s history,” Ellie Schlein declared in a statement.

Matteo Renzi, the former social-democratic prime minister, was tipped to become president in 2014, the leader of a controversial coalition between the center-left and Berlusconi. Average He “built the history” of Italy.” Many loved him, many hated him. But today everyone must recognize that his impact on political, economic, sports and television life was unprecedented. Today Italy mourns with his family, his loved ones, his institutions and his party.” Renzi declared.

Romano Prodi, former president of the European Commission and former Transalpine prime minister, paid tribute to Berlusconi’s “huge influence”. “Not only in institutions, but in the lives of all Italian citizens”. “We represented different and opposing worlds, but our rivalry did not turn into hostile feelings on a personal level, the debate continued in the sphere of mutual respect,” said the former politician.

“A great friend and a remarkable statesman”

Among international reactions to the death of Silvio Berlusconi, the present stands out Vladimir Putin issued a message of condolence on the death of a “dear and true friend. I admired him for his wisdom and ability to find balanced and visionary solutions even in the most difficult situations.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán mourned the death of one of his oldest allies, remembering him as a “great fighter”. “Ribosa at speed, friend Mio(Rest in peace my friend), Orban wrote on Facebook.

And inside TwitterBerlusconi’s compatriot Roberta Metzola, now president of the European Parliament, recalled him as “a fighter who led the centre-right as a protagonist of politics in Italy and Europe for generations”.

From football to politics

Silvio Berlusconi’s name began to gain international fame when he reached the seat of power at AC Milan, one of the most famous football clubs in the world. Between 1986 and 2017, his leadership Rossoneri (occasionally interrupted by government activity) covered the northern Italian icon’s most illustrious period, ending with 29 titles, including five Champions Leagues and eight Serie A championships.

Monza, which was bought by Silvio Berlusconi in 2018, lamented the “loss” of the Italian League club’s owner, creating a “vacuum that will never be filled”.