Three times Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi passed away this morning at the age of 86. He was a media mogul who changed the way politics was done and became the harbinger of populism embodied by Donald Trump.

Berlusconi has been one of the most important figures in Italian public life in the last half century. successful businessman and one of the richest people in ItalyIt was a non-flammable political beast that won elections almost immediately with a “homemade” winner style and remained on the front lines from 1994 until the end of its life.

Three times he headed the government of Italy (1994-1995, 2001-2006 and 2008-2011) and, despite falling out of favor in 2011, after being disqualified due to a conviction for tax fraud, Berlusconi returned to parliament as a senator in 2022. when his party joined Meloni’s far-right Georgia coalition government.

After the news of his death, various figures in European and international politics they mourned his death. Here are some of the reactions:

Georgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, uploaded a video to your account Twitter remembering Berlusconi’s career and contributions.

“Silvio Berlusconi was first and foremost a fighter, he was a man who was never afraid to stand up for his convictions And it was this courage, this determination that made him one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.”

God, Silvio. pic.twitter.com/hWiSNPCeia

— Georgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 12, 2023

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, with whom Berlusconi had a good relationship, published a statement on the official website of the Russian government in which he mourned the death of his “true friend”.

“For me, Silvio was a dear person, a true friend. I have always sincerely admired his wisdom, ability to make far-sighted and balanced decisions even in the most difficult situations. During each of our meetings, I was literally charged with her incredible vitality, optimism and sense of humor. His death is an irreparable loss and great pain,” he wrote.

In a telegram sent on behalf of Pope Francisco Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, daughter of former Italian Prime Minister Maria Elvira Berlusconi, in Milan, Pope Francis mourned the death of the Italian politician.

“Pope Francis, having received the news of the death of his beloved father, Senator Silvio Berlusconi,” the telegram began, “desires to show his closeness to you and your family, assuring you of his heartfelt participation in mourning the loss of the protagonist of Italian political life, who performed public duties with an energetic temperament,” confirmed News of the Vatican.