Crowds gather for scandal-ridden former Italian PM Berlusconi’s state funeral
Mourners have gathered in Milan for the state funeral of Silvio Berlusconi, the divisive and domineering former premier who remained omnipresent in Italian public life for decades until his death on Monday.
Berlusconi’s coffin left Villa San Martino in Arcore, outside Milan, and was transported through the city centre to Milan’s gothic Duomo cathedral for Wednesday’s service.
A day of mourning has also been declared for the ex-premier, but some have contested the frills of the send-off for a colourful figure who was briefly banned from politics following a 2012 tax fraud conviction.
Berlusconi, who had a lengthy, scandal-ridden career, died at a Milan hospital on Monday aged 86.
The opulent occasion of his funeral drew crowds from across Italy, including Berlusconi supporters – some of whom waved flags bearing the name of his Forza Italia party – and fans of the AC Milan football team that he owned.
Huge television screens were erected outside the cathedral to show proceedings.
Other intrigued onlookers also watched from outside. “It’s a historical event for Italy… I think it’s going to be difficult for Italy to adjust to his death,” said Jessica Lana, who joined crowds outside the Duomo di Milano on Wednesday. But Lana opposed the award of a state funeral to Berlusconi, citing the many trials against him.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, EU Commissioner and Paolo Gentiloni were among those attending on Wednesday.
Berlusconi had a recent history of health issues, and was recently diagnosed with leukaemia, Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital said. He had been admitted to the hospital previously with breathing problems, and attended a check-up there on Friday, days before his death.
He also left behind a sprawling business empire, and it is unclear how his wealth, built through the ownership of some of Italy’s most recognizable companies, including AC Milan, will be split between his five children.