14/06/2023
Italy bids farewell to Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister, at a state funeral in Milan. The funeral was attended by political leaders, Berlusconi's family, and a number of his ex-girlfriends. Thousands of mourners gathered in Milan's main square to pay their respects to the divisive figure who led Italy despite having no prior political experience and built a media empire.
As Berlusconi's coffin entered the cathedral, the crowd chanted, "Silvio will always be our president." The funeral was led by the Archbishop of Milan and attended by 2,000 relatives, friends, political allies, and rivals. Among the international figures present were Hungarian leader Viktor Orban and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Berlusconi's five children, who have now been thrust into the spotlight, were seated in the front row of the cathedral, sparking speculation about the future of his business empire and political party. During his lifetime, Berlusconi amassed a vast business empire spanning media, real estate, finance, cinema, and sport. The future of his business interests and the Forza Italia party he created remains uncertain.
His oldest child, Marina, is considered the most likely successor to lead the business empire. However, questions remain about whether the family unity can be maintained without Berlusconi's presence and what impact it may have on the future of his political party. The survival of Forza Italia without its charismatic founder is in question, and the appointment of a successor who can gain the loyalty of Berlusconi's supporters may prove challenging.
The funeral has triggered speculation about the political stability of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition government, as the collapse of Forza Italia could lead to further instability in Italian politics. Berlusconi's death has also forced his children to step into the spotlight and take control of his empire, potentially leading to an easy transition of power or a succession battle.