Adored, scorned, impossible to ignore in life, former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi in death drew tributes even from his critics, and ever more lavish praise from admirers, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as prayers from Pope Francis.
Following word of Berlusconi's death on Monday in a Milan hospital, where he was being treated for chronic leukemia, reaction poured in from around the world, from national leaders to announcers who burst into tears on one of his television networks, for the populist three-time premier and media mogul.In a condolence telegram, Putin hailed Berlusconi as a "patriarch" of Italian politics and a true patriot who had improved Italy's standing on the world stage.
"Undoubtedly, he was a politician of the European and the world scale," Putin said. "There are few such people in the international arena now. He was a great friend of our people and did a lot to develop business, friendly relations between Russia and European countries." Berlusconi had expressed reservations about sanctions against Russian interests over the invasion.Former U.S. President George W.
-- Former centre-left Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, who now heads a centrist opposition party, recalled Berlusconi's divisive legacy in a message on Twitter. "Silvio Berlusconi made history in this country. Many loved him, many hated him. All must recognize that his impact on political life, but also economic, sport and television, has been without precedence."
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