Condolences pour in over death of Italy's Berlusconi

By Giovanni Legorano

ROME (AA) - Condolences poured in on Monday over the death of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s longest-serving prime minister who dominated the country’s politics for two decades amid a series of scandals.

The billionaire media mogul was admitted to the hospital and was getting treatment for leukemia. He was 86.

Reacting to the news of his death, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a video message: “Silvio Berlusconi was most of all a fighter. He was a man who has never been fearful of defending his convictions.”

“His courage and determination were exactly what made him one of the most influential men in Italy’s history.

“With him we have fought, won and lost many battles. We will achieve the objectives that together we had determined also for him. Farewell Silvio,” she said.

Antonio Tajani, Italy's foreign minister and political coordinator of Forza Italia, the party Berlusconi founded 30 years ago, said in a tweet: “An immense sorrow. Simply thank you President, thank you Silvio.”

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said: “A great man and a great Italian."

Observing a minute of silence at a public meeting in the northern town of Novara, Salvini, who is also leader of the right-wing League party, said: “Most of all, today I lost a great friend.”

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said his death was a “great, huge sorrow.”

“It’s the end of an era,” said Crosetto. “I loved him very much. Farewell Silvio.”

Italy's former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Berlusconi made history in Italy.

“Many loved him, many hated him: today everyone must acknowledge that his impact not only on political life but also on the economy, sport and television has been unprecedented.”