Reactions to Berlusconi’s death
Putin complains of “great pain”, opposition leader sees “end of an era”
Were good friends for a long time: Vladimir Putin (left) and Silvio Berlusconi in 2015 on the Black Sea
© Alexei Druzhnin / AFP
“Many loved him, many hated him,” says Italy’s ex-Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on the death of Silvio Berlusconi. A veritable declaration of love to Italy’s former head of government comes from Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin has lamented the death of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as an “irretrievable loss” and “great pain”. “For me, Silvio was a dear person and a true friend,” he said in a condolence letter to Italian President Sergio Mattarella published by the Kremlin. He has always admired Berlusconi’s “wisdom” and his ability “to make farsighted decisions even in the most difficult situations”. In addition, in the letter to Italy’s head of state, Putin praised Berlusconi’s “incredible vitality”, his “optimism” and his “sense of humor”.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis has recognized the late longtime Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as an important politician. According to a telegram of condolence from the Vatican to Berlusconi’s eldest daughter Marina, Berlusconi was a “protagonist of political life in Italy,” who accepted public office “with energetic temperament.” The Pope asks for “eternal peace of the Lord” for Berlusconi and for “consolation for the hearts of those who weep for him”.
Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
Italy’s top politicians have praised Silvio Berlusconi as one of the country’s most important protagonists in recent decades. “He was a man who was never afraid to defend his convictions. That courage and determination made him one of the most influential men in Italian history,” said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The former head of government was “above all a fighter”.
Elly Schlein, Italian opposition leader
“An era ends with the death of Silvio Berlusconi,” said opposition leader Elly Schlein, leader of the Social Democrats. Berlusconi’s politics are far from her. But respect for “one of the protagonists of our country’s history” remains human.
Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy
“Today we say goodbye to a great Italian. One of the greatest of all time, in all areas, from all points of view, incomparable”, tweetedMatteo Salvini of populist Lega from the right-right-centre coalition in Rome.
“Father of all populists”
High flights, belly landings, “Bunga bunga”: Pictures from the life of Silvio Berlusconi
Sergio Mattarella, Italian President
President Sergio Mattarella called Berlusconi a “great political leader” who wrote Italian history.
Matteo Renzi, former Prime Minister of Italy
“Silvio Berlusconi made history in this country,” said Matteo Renzi, former Social Democratic prime minister and now head of the center party Italia Viva. “Many loved him, many hated him.” But everyone had to acknowledge that his influence on political and economic life was unprecedented.
Romano Prodi, former Prime Minister of Italy
Romano Prodi succeeded Berlusconi at the head of the government in 2006 and was replaced by Berlusconi two years later. He said, according to the Ansa news agency, that they both came from different worlds as political rivals. “But I appreciated his support for the pro-European cause, especially because it was confirmed and reaffirmed at a time when our common European destiny was being harshly and imprudently accused.”
Mario Draghi, former Prime Minister of Italy
Ex-Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Berlusconi had changed politics. He was loved by millions of Italians “for his humanity and his charisma”.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Over Twitter informed her, that Berlusconi “led Italy through a period of political transition and has continued to shape his beloved country ever since”.
German federal government
“Today we learned of the death of former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi. We express our condolences to the Italian people and the Italian government,” said Deputy Federal Government Spokesman Wolfgang Büchner.
Bijan Djir-Sarai, FDP General Secretary
“When a person dies, one is always sad. At least that’s how I feel. But the politician Berlusconi was not a simple political personality,” said FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai in Berlin.
Viktor Orban, Hungarian Prime Minister
Orban wrote on Twitter: “The great fighter is gone.” Hungary’s right-wing head of government is seen as an ally of Italy’s government, which has been in office since October under ultra-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Netanyahu is “deeply saddened” and offered his condolences to Berlusconi’s family and the Italian people. “Silvio was a great friend of Israel and always stood by us. Rest in peace, my friend.”
government in London
A UK government spokesman in London said: “Silvio Berlusconi has been a major influence on Italian politics for several decades and our thoughts are with the Italian people and their family.”
Martin Schulz, former President of the European Parliament
He told the portal T-Onlinethat every death is sad and regrettable. “My opinion on Berlusconi’s political record and the associated dangers is otherwise well known,” he said. The social democrat had often criticized the right-wing conservative Italian.
Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister
She expressed her condolences to Berlusconi’s family. Speaking to journalists in Luxembourg, the left-wing politician said: “But please understand that the political project that Mr. Berlusconi has advocated for such a long time does not arouse my sympathy.”