Silvio Berlusconi, the wealthy media magnate and populist former Italian prime minister who polarized the country’s politics, died on Monday at the age of 86 after a long battle with leukemia and a recently developed lung infection.
He died at about 07:30 GMT, surrounded by his 5 children and his brother, at Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, where he had been residing since Friday.
Berlusconi–Italy’s longest-serving premier who incidentally considers Russian President Vladimir Putin as a friend–became famous due to his “bunga bunga” sex parties and frequently alarmed his friends with his brazen statements.
Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, and while as of late has effectively exhibited no role in actual governing, his death is certain to destabilize Italian politics in the coming months.
“We fought, won, lost many battles with him, and also for him we will bring home the goals that we had jointly set ourselves. Farewell Silvio,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
His business juggernaut is likewise in jeopardy. He never officially indicated who will take over his MFE (MFEB.MI) firm after his death. However, his eldest daughter Marina is likely to play a key role.