Berlusconi and Covid-19

Thursday, 3 September 2020. 83-year old - almost 84, actually - former PM Silvio Berlusconi is admitted to Milan’s hospital having tested positive to Covid-19 and apparently suffering from double pneumonia. He had been hanging about with friends (who also tested positive to the virus) without wearing a mask.

Silvio Berlusconi, whose 84th birthday is now three weeks away, was tested positive for Covid-19 last Wednesday, after holidaying in Sardinia. Due to his age, last Thursday he was admitted to Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, where a virus-related ‘mild’ lung infection has been diagnosed (earlier Berlusconi’s doctor, Dr Zangrillo, stated that an asymptomatic Berlusconi was quietly isolating in his home in Arcore). According to Berlusconi’s fellow politicians, it’s only “a small precautionary hospitalisation”, rumours about Berlusconi having been checked into intensive care have been denied. 

Flavio Briatore (70) and Silvio Berlusconi (83) met in Sardinia in August 2020 (YouTube)

The swab was administered to the former Italian Prime Minister when he came back from Sardinia, where he met a good friend, Flavio Briatore, a former Formula 1 team manager and businessman who owns the Billionaire nightclub, and who has also been tested positive for the virus. The two, Berlusconi and Briatore, met in Sardinia in August, where photos were taken and neither was wearing a mask. 

Berlusconi and the seaside blitz

Thursday, 15 August 2013 (Assumption of Virgin Mary). As Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers announce they could ask the – otherwise puzzled – head of State Giorgio Napolitano to pardon the former prime minister, a flock of aeroplanes show up on the crowded Italian beaches to spur the support for the disgraced politician.

The "Blitz" seen from Santanchè&Briatore's Twiga beach club

Frenzy weeks ahead in Italy, after Silvio Berlusconi has finally been convicted for tax fraud at the beginning of the month, a sentence that could bring the former prime minister political power to an end (and leave the centre-right hunting for a new leader).  
A protest in Rome was organised in order to express frustration against the Communists-led judiciary, while Beppe Grillo's 5SM is working hard in order to try and strip Silvio Berlusconi of his knighthood and bring the Senate to expel him.

Silvio Berlusconi and the end?

Friday, October 26, 2012. Few days after Silvio Berlusconi stated that he will not stand as a prime minister candidate in 2013 elections, a tribunal sentences the tycoon for tax fraud (just in case).

Is it the endo or just another chapter that unfolds?

“For the love of Italy” said Berlusconi a couple of days ago “I will not be presenting my candidacy”, referring to next year Italian elections, but he will remain at the side of younger politicians. Many people did not take the statement seriously, knowing the ability of Silvio Berlusconi in creating dramatic moments and comebacks. “I don't believe it” declared Berlusconi's former friend Umberto Bossi, whilst Romano Prodi long-lasting adversary said “You can never tell, wait before writing down the headlines”.