Vladimir Putin, Giorgia Meloni, Pope Francis… Tributes to Silvio Berlusconi multiply after his death


Julia Solans, with AFP / Photo credit: Andrea Ronchini, Ronchini / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
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8:06 p.m., June 12, 2023

In Italy, the death of Silvio Berlusconi aroused a large number of reactions. An emblematic figure, the former head of government has always been respected in the world of politics due to his turbulent character. Vladimir Putin, Rishi Sunak, Giorgia Meloni, Pope Francis or even the AC Milan club, many tribute messages appeared after the announcement of his death, this Monday, June 12. “A protagonist of Italian political life who has assumed public responsibilities with an energetic temperament,” greeted the pope, currently hospitalized, in a telegram.

A “true friend” for Vladimir Putin

For his part, Vladimir Putin highlighted his friendship with the businessman in a telegram of condolences addressed to Italian President Sergio Mattarella. “For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend.” The Russian president spoke of the “wisdom”, the “incredible vital energy”, the “optimism” and the “sense of humor” of this “true patriot” who “made an invaluable personal contribution” to Russian relations -Italian.

Other personalities were quick to post a message on social networks. “Rest in peace my friend,” wrote Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, captioning a photo he posted on Twitter showing him with Silvio Berlusconi, hailing a “great fighter”.

For British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, “Silvio Berlusconi left a considerable imprint on Italian politics for several decades”, he expressed through his official spokesperson. The former head of the Italian government was respected by everyone and everyone recalled the indelible mark left by his presence in the world of politics. Starting with the Spaniard Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People’s Party (PP, right-wing opposition) and favorite in the legislative elections on July 23, who praised the career of the Italian.

Admiration on all sides

In Italy, a majority of the political planet wanted to send a message of admiration for Silvio Berlusconi, like Giorgia Meloni. In a video sent by her cabinet, the president of the Council of Ministers hailed the memory of her qualified ally as “one of the most influential men in the history of Italy” who “was not afraid to defend his convictions” thanks to his “courage” and his “determination”.

One thing is certain, the impact of the businessman on the world is always 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.

Same story on the opposition side. “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, tenacity,” greeted Giuseppe Conte, former Prime Minister and leader of the 5 Star Movement (M5S).

French right and far-right salute a “statesman”

The French right and far-right paid tribute on Monday to the former president of the Italian council Silvio Berlusconi, seeing in him a “statesman” with a “dazzling career”. “An atypical character, with an extraordinary life and a dazzling journey, Silvio Berlusconi has undeniably marked Italian political life”, tweeted the president of the deputies National Rally Marine Le Pen after the announcement of the death of the sulphurous 86-year-old billionaire.

Referring to the “outspokenness” and the “unprecedented style” of the former head of government, the president of RN Jordan Bardella also considered that “Silvio Berlusconi marked an entire era in his country”.

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”. His death “will leave a huge void within the European right”, added Senator LR Stéphane Le Rudulier, for whom “his fight against communism and to propel Italy into the 21st century will remain achievements which will survive him”.

A reign in football

Politics was not the only area where Silvio Berlusconi stood out, since he was also president of the Italian club AC Milan between 1986 and 2017. Passionate about football, the businessman has two victories in the European Cup of champion clubs (1989 and 1990) during his reign. His death is a real shock for the Milanese. “Thank you President, forever with us,” the club posted. “Silvio Berlusconi changed the history of Italian football,” Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.

Carlo Ancelotti, who was a player and then coach of the Milanese club during the reign of the Cavaliere, expressed his “infinite gratitude to the president”. Since 2018, the ex-statesman has been the majority shareholder of AC Monza, which is currently playing in the elite.

Olivier Giroud, invited to the microphone of Europe 1, reacted to the disappearance of the former Milanese president. “He took Milan to the top of Europe. All these years at the helm of the club have been extraordinary years. There are many people who hold him in high regard,” he said before confiding having had the chance to meet the famous character “when we celebrated the Scudetto in Del Duomo Square”. The top scorer in the history of the France team then had the opportunity to exchange a few words with him. The AC Milan center-forward took the opportunity to highlight the charisma of Silvio Berlusconi, who will forever remain “in the legend of the club”.





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