Italy Considers National Mourning for Former PM Berlusconi
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a controversial political legacy. Berlusconi, who was known for his polemics and statements, has been the subject of many discussions throughout his life. His death has resulted in the declaration of national mourning for the first time in Italy for a former prime minister. However, this decision has drawn criticism from some political rivals who believe that Berlusconi is responsible for many of the country’s current problems.
Former Chair of the Democratic Party, Rosy Bindi, said that declaring national mourning for a divisive person like Berlusconi is not appropriate. Similarly, PD Senator Andrea Crisanti opposed state ceremonies and national mourning for the former Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Maurizio Gasparri, a member of the ruling party, stated that these words offended the memory of a real statesman.
Despite the critiques, many state officials and close friends visited Berlusconi’s home to offer condolences to his family. Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini were among those who paid their respects.
The funeral arrangements for Berlusconi’s last journey are being made at the Duomo Cathedral in Milan, where the state ceremony will take place, and in the square in front of it. The ceremony will be broadcasted on giant screens in the Duomo square, and thousands of people are expected to attend.
Silvio Berlusconi, who was being treated since 9 June with a diagnosis of chronic leukemia, passed away yesterday at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Despite his controversial political career, his death has left many people around the villa where he lived with expressions of love for him, including flowers, scarves, jerseys, and placards.
