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On the occasion of the state funeral of the late former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi († 86), numerous supporters of the politician flocked to Milan on Wednesday. They gathered behind the fences in the forecourt of Milan Cathedral, where the funeral service was to begin at 3 p.m. Thousands of people were expected to attend the funeral service, including many high-ranking Italian politicians.
Under the scorching sun, supporters of Berlusconi waited for mass to begin, shouting “Silvio” or “Thank you, you are the only one” and applauding to pay their last respects to the former prime minister. «Silvio Berlusconi is my first and last political love. It’s a very sad day for Italy,” said Luigi Vecchione, 48, a textile factory worker who came from Piedmont.
In Milan and across Italy, flags flew at half-mast on public buildings and the government declared a day of national mourning, a first for the death of a former prime minister. Moreover, opinions about Berlusconi in Italy have always been very divided.
For those who could not get a seat in Milan Cathedral, the funeral service is broadcast on two large screens in the forecourt. Among the guests at the funeral service were Italian President Sergio Matarella (81) and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (46).
The European Commission was represented by EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni (68). Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (60) also traveled to Milan. According to the Italian news agency Ansa, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (43), was also present at the state funeral.
Berlusconi was diagnosed with leukemia and died on Monday at the age of 86 in a hospital in Milan. The founder of the right-wing conservative party Forza Italia had shaped public life in Italy in various roles for decades – not only as head of government and party leader, but also as a media magnate and long-term owner of the AC Milan football club.
Berlusconi served as prime minister three times between 1994 and 2011. However, in his long career, he also made headlines with a series of scandals. (AFP)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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