Anxiety
The 86-year-old founder and conservative figure behind Mediaset was admitted to hospital without warning yesterday, raising concerns about his health for a second time in just over a fortnight. The abrupt admission intensified scrutiny and anxiety about his condition.
While an official hospital statement has not confirmed every detail, sources close to the patient have indicated that the situation is being monitored closely and that there is a degree of concern among colleagues and supporters. [Attribution: close sources to the politician]
This development was echoed in a public statement from Forza Italia, the party Berlusconi established in 1994. The message indicated that Italy still needs his leadership in these challenging times and emphasized the importance of continued political work and unity within the party. The statement also noted that decisions regarding his health and his role in politics are ongoing and fluid. [Attribution: Forza Italia statement]
Night with a companion
Reports indicate that the former premier spent a quiet night in the hospital, while still engaging in discussions about parliamentary matters and the party’s support for the government. A senior party official confirmed that Berlusconi remained engaged with colleagues and continued to express a keen interest in ongoing political work. [Attribution: senior party official]
According to media outlets, his partner was with him at the clinic, and other family members have visited on multiple occasions since his admission. The ongoing attention surrounding his health has sparked discussions about succession planning within Forza Italia, should his condition worsen. [Attribution: media reports]