Putin, Orban lead global tributes for Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s former premier and business tycoon, has died in Milan at the age of 86.

Politicians, sports icons and world leaders are paying tribute to the flamboyant figure who transformed Italian politics and was widely known for his financial and sex scandals.‘A true friend’: Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin described Berlusconi as a close and wise friend.

“For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend. I have always sincerely admired his wisdom, his ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations,” Putin said.

In October, according to a leaked recording, Berlusconi said he had reconnected with Putin, exchanging gifts of wine, vodka and “sweet” letters on his birthday.

On the Ukraine war, Berlusconi had suggested Kyiv was responsible for the invasion Russia launched in February 2022 and admonished Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni for meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.‘Great fighter’: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Hungary’s populist prime minister, Viktor Orban, said in a tweet: “Gone is the great fighter.”‘Obviously tremendously significant’: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Speaking during a news conference with Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani, US top diplomat Blinken said Berlusconi was “obviously tremendously significant figure in the life of Italy in the political life and the public life of the country”.

He added: “I simply want to extend my condolences to his family…but also to the Italian people for their loss.”‘A great Italian’: Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister, called Berlusconi “a great man and a great Italian”.

“Today a GREAT ITALIAN bids farewell to us. One of the greatest ever, in all fields, from all points of view, without equals. But above all, today I lose a great friend. I am devastated and I rarely cry, today is one of those days,” he said in a statement.

‘Many loved him, many hated him’: Ex-Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
Matteo Renzi, former Italian premier and leader of the liberal political party Italia Viva, said in a tweet: “Silvio Berlusconi made history in this country. Many loved him, many hated him.”

“Everyone today must recognise that his impact on political but also economic, sporting and television life was unprecedented,” he added.