Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has died following a lengthy battle with leukemia.
The 86-year-old was rushed to hospital in Milan on June 9.
Berlusconi was admitted to San Raffaele Hospital with heart problems and shortness of breath.
The former Prime Minister was reportedly due to host a Forza Italia summit with "general staff" at his Acrore villa but was rushed to hospital on Friday.
Berlusconi was admitted to San Raffaele Hospital with heart problems and shortness of breath
Reuters
The ex-AC Milan owner, who bounced back from several sex scandals and corruption allegations throughout his political career, has had several media scares in recent years.
Berlusconi was only discharged from hospital on May 19 after spending 45 days in hospital.
The Forza Italia leader was hospitalised with pneumonia after a blood cancer diagnosis.
Following his previous hospital stint, Berlusconi said: "I thank all those who have wanted to dedicate a thought of closeness and affection to me in these days.
"I have already returned to work on the main themes of these days, ready and determined to commit myself, as I always have, to the country I love."
The social media post was accompanied with an image of Berlusconi grinning at his home.
He also had surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve in 2016 and was admitted to hospital with coronavirus in September 2020.
Berlusconi first served as Italian Prime Minister from May 1994 to January 1995.
Berlusconi helped propel Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni to power
Reuters
The media mogul would return to power in June 2001 and remain in office for two terms until May 2006.
Berlusconi final stint as Italian Prime Minister came in May 2008 and lasted until November 2011.
He was convicted of tax fraud in late 2012 but had his ban on running for office lifted in 2018.
Berlusconi subsequently won a seat in the European Parliament in 2019, was elected to the Senate last year and helped propel Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni to power.
