Chaos around Berlusconi’s last big show: sleeping late in TV studio canceled

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His life was the stage. For decades, the political centipede, generous party animal and multi-billionaire Silvio Berlusconi († 86) managed to put himself in the spotlight and win over his audience.

His last performance should also be a big show. But not only the program was canceled at the last minute. In addition, the “Cavaliere” is also denied eternal rest in his own mausoleum, inspired by the burial chamber of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen.

A final round of applause for Villa San Martino

According to Italian media, Silvio Berlusconi was taken from hospital to his Villa San Martino in Arcore near Milan on Monday afternoon. However, without much pomp and circumstance, but unobtrusive. Only two patrol cars accompanied the dark blue carriage that carried the body out of a side exit of the hospital.

Since then, carabinieri have kept guard at the entrance of the villa, as only the closest relatives have access to the corpse. Reporters and TV crews, but also neighbors and Berlusconi supporters must gather in front of the building. Catching a last glimpse of her idol is impossible. Only one final round of applause is allowed.

Lying in the TV studio canceled

Berlusconi would have wanted more. The late media magnate wanted to be displayed in Studio 20 of his private channel Mediaset, where the Italian version of ‘Jungle Camp’ is usually produced. It wouldn’t have been the first time the studio had been turned into a morgue. The bodies of well-known show hosts such as Raimondo Vianello (†88) and Sandra Mondaini (†79) have already been on the set.

But on Tuesday morning it was announced: nothing will come of it. A chaotic rush is feared. Then the abdication remains on Wednesday afternoon. Although Silvio Berlusconi will be carried to Milan Cathedral on Wednesday, he will only be seen there for a few minutes. It is forbidden to film inside the church. Only the broadcaster Mediaset is allowed to film. After all: the funeral service is broadcast live, the Italians can watch on mega screens in a public display, such as at a football world championship.

No tomb like Tutankhamen

National mourning has also been organized for Wednesday – for the first time for a former prime minister. Silvio Berlusconi receives a state funeral. The flags of Italy and the EU are flown at half mast. Archbishop of Milan Mario Delpini (71) will preside over the mass, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella (81) and 32 members of the government will be present. The state bears the costs of the abdication.

The question of the final resting place remains. In the 1990s, Berlusconi built a marble mausoleum in the garden of his villa in Arcore, inspired by the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. In addition to the sarcophagus in the center, the mausoleum also has underground passages that lead to 36 other rooms. They were intended for relatives and Berlusconi’s closest political associates.

But nothing comes of that either. Powerful as Berlusconi may have seemed in life, in death he is like his fellow citizens: Italian law does not allow burials outside cemeteries.

Source: Blick