Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is dead

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. [AP Photo]

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is dead

According to Italian Media, Berlusconi 86, diead at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan where he was undergoing treatment.

Last Friday AP reported that Berlusconi was readmitted to a Milan hospital for planned medical checks.

In April, Berlusconi who bounced back from sex scandals and corruption allegations was treated for a lung infection linked to a previously undisclosed case of chronic leukaemia.

The flamboyant billionaire media tycoon first came to office in 1994 and led four governments until 2011.

He led the centre-right Forza Italia party which went into coalition under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after elections in September, when he was elected to Italy's upper house, the Senate.

Doctors at San Raffaele earlier had told reporters that the former PM had been suffering from a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelomonocyte leukaemia.

So far, there has been no official confirmation of the immediate cause of death. He has had repeated health problems since contracting Covid-19 in 2020.

Born in 1936 in Milan, Berlusconi began his career selling vacuum cleaners, before setting up a construction company.

He went on to become one of Italy's richest men, making his fortune through his TV channels.

He gained international recognition as the owner of legendary football club AC Milan - which he saved from bankruptcy in 1986 - before going into politics.

Share this story
Man City must respect Arsenal in title showdown, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City must respect Arsenal when they face the Premier League leaders in a seismic title showdown next weekend.
Rosenior admits Chelsea in 'difficult place'
Liam Rosenior admitted Chelsea are in a "difficult place" after Sunday's dismal 3-0 defeat against Manchester City piled pressure on the Blues boss.
Mathare United edge New Mathare FC in slum derby
Daglas Mokaya’s freekick goal in the 30th minute was enough to send the over 3000 fans into delirium in the adrenaline filled Slum Derby.
FIFA Series: Harambee Starlets Sh1.5 million richer after 2-0 win over India, Australia final next
Harambee Starlets continued their impressive rise in the FIFA Series with a commanding 2-0 victory over India at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Kenya's top teams ready for East Africa games after nationals showdown
Butere Girls and Moi Girls Kamusinga were the only schools that defended their titles. KSSSA welcomes five new champions ahead of the regional games in Tanzania.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS