Tributes are multiplying for the former head of the Italian government, who died on Monday June 12 at the age of 86. The politician is hailed, as is the football manager.
By HR with AFP
© ETTORE FERRARI / ANSA / AFP
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Downed since 2018 by Silvio Berlusconi, AC Monza held this Monday, June 12 to pay tribute to its former owner. Long right arm of the businessman and ex-head of government, Andrea Gallieni greeted the Cavaliere, who died at the age of 86.
- “Adriano Galliani and all of AC Monza mourn the disappearance of Silvio Berlusconi,” the Lombard club said in a message on its website. “It’s a void that can never be filled, forever with us. Thank you for everything, president,” he added. After selling AC Milan, the club he led for more than thirty years (1986-2017), Silvio Berlusconi embarked on a new sporting adventure in 2018 by taking over Monza, for which he entrusted, as in Milan, the management to Adriano Galliani.READ ALSODeath of Berlusconi: his overflowing passion with AC Milan
The club, whose stadium is ten minutes from Berlusconi’s villa in Arcore, has climbed the ladder to go from 3e division to Serie A, joined last summer. Several other clubs also paid tribute to the former AC Milan boss, including Italian champion Napoli, who expressed the “condolences” of its president Aurelio De Laurentiis and the whole club.
Meloni highlights Berlusconi’s “courage”
- The head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni also saluted 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”. “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. READ ALSOSilvio Berlusconi, jester or statesman?
- “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 cry rarely 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-interest 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, sobbing, presenter Federica Panicucci.
A tribute in France and abroad
- “Atypical character, with an extraordinary life and a dazzling career, Silvio Berlusconi has undeniably marked Italian political life”, tweeted the president of the National Rally deputies Marine Le Pen.
An atypical character, with an extraordinary life and a dazzling career, Silvio Berlusconi undeniably marked Italian political life. To Italy in mourning, I send my condolences.
– Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) June 12, 2023
- Referring to the “outspokenness” and the “unprecedented style” of the former head of government, the president of the RN Jordan Bardella also considered that “Silvio Berlusconi marked an entire era of his country”.READ ALSODeath of Berlusconi: and Silvio became “Sua Emittenza”
The President of the Republicans, Éric Ciotti, for his part and on the same social network paid tribute to a “true monument of politics in Italy and a statesman whom he served with all his might”.
More measured, the left reacted little to the disappearance of the man who is also known for a procession of scandals, in particular his famous “bunga bunga” evenings. PS senator Rachid Temal recalled that he “contributed to the return of the far right, heiress of Mussolini, to the head of Italy”.
- Vladimir Putin wanted to pay tribute to a “dear person” and a “true friend”. He said he had always admired her “wisdom” and praised her “incredible life energy”, “optimism” and “sense of humour”.
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