Silvio Berlusconi’s Hospital Stay and Public Updates
Silvio Berlusconi, the three-time prime minister of Italy and the longtime leader of Forza Italia, spent a second night in hospital as doctors continued careful observation. A statement from the San Raffaele hospital in Milan conveyed a cautious tone, noting the situation remains serious but signaling cautious optimism: the phrase It’s hard but I’ll survive was relayed during a call to Augusto Minzolini, the longtime editor of Il Giornale. The exchange underscored the personal aim of Berlusconi to stay connected with people close to him during this trying period.
Earlier in the week, Berlusconi expressed a desire to speak with the editor of Il Giornale, a newspaper he has guided and influenced for years. The week’s reporting captured his intention to communicate directly with trusted friends and colleagues, revealing how he navigates moments of vulnerability while maintaining a steady public presence through family and business channels.
In the conversation summarized by the editorial, Berlusconi reflected on past crises. He recalled experiences where he emerged from difficult and sensitive situations with resolve. Those words, shared in the impromptu call, highlighted a mindset shaped by decades of leadership in politics and media, and a readiness to confront uncertainty head on.
Minzolini noted that Berlusconi values the presence of his supporters and trusted aides, urging those who accompany him not to overwhelm the moment with overt intensity. Yet Berlusconi himself appears determined to communicate, making clear that he expects updates to continue and that he hopes to speak with colleagues and supporters again soon. The editorial quoted his closing sentiment as a wish to reconnect once circumstances permit him to leave the hospital environment behind.
At eighty-six years old, Berlusconi entered hospital the previous Wednesday, with the first medical reports issued the following day. The hospital described him as a long-term patient with a chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a condition monitored with chemotherapy described as mild in intensity. The medical notes also indicated a recent worsening of the patient’s overall condition and a lung infection that required treatment and close observation.
Fans of the football club he owns placed a banner outside the hospital bearing the message Come on Silvio, Monza is with you. The gesture underscored the public’s emotional investment in his health and the symbolic bond between Berlusconi and Monza, the club that has long been associated with his leadership and vision for Italian sport and society.
Antonio Tajani, who serves as party coordinator and is Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided updates from the hospital’s intensive care unit. He met with the hospital’s chief intensivist and Berlusconi’s personal doctor, and described the patient as resting and responding positively to treatment. The tone remained measured, emphasizing stabilization while cautioning against premature conclusions about recovery.
During Thursday’s parliamentary and party sessions, Berlusconi had spoken with party leaders in the morning and with government allies in the afternoon, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. The exchanges reflected a continuity of political dialogue even as the country watched for signs of the former prime minister’s improvement.
Back at home, Fedele Confalonieri, president of Mediaset, and Marcello Dell’Utri, a longtime confidant, along with several of Berlusconi’s children and his brother Paolo, returned to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan to offer support. Confalonieri, speaking for the family, expressed guarded optimism, noting that there had been improvements and that a sense of relief had begun to replace earlier worry. The family and close associates emphasized a belief in steady progress, while acknowledging the seriousness of the illness and the need for ongoing care.
As the day progressed, Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the businessman’s second son, described his father as a resilient presence despite the health crisis. He stood with reporters as he left the hospital, reinforcing the public message of hope and the sense that Berlusconi remains a figure who continues to influence both politics and media in Italy. The family’s public statements balanced assurance with realism, recognizing the medical realities while affirming confidence in the treatment plan.
The nature of Berlusconi’s hospitalization had previously been framed as additional medical checkups rather than an urgent crisis, reflecting a cautious approach to his health status. Over the years, Berlusconi has experienced multiple hospitalizations for various medical concerns, including an episode in January 2022 due to a urinary tract infection. Each occurrence has sparked public interest and speculation, yet the institution has consistently provided updates designed to keep the public informed while respecting medical privacy and patient dignity.
As the discussions around Berlusconi’s health continued, observers noted the broader implications for Italian politics and media. Berlusconi’s leadership helped shape the direction of his parties and his media ventures for decades, and his health remains a matter of national interest. His supporters see his resilience as a testament to his character and his capacity to influence public life, while critics watch closely for signals about the future of his political influence and organizational activities.
In all communications, those close to Berlusconi stressed a commitment to transparency and steady communication with the public. They emphasized the importance of patience as medical teams monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed. The overarching message from the hospital and the family is one of cautious optimism, with the understanding that recovery will unfold in its own time and that supporters will be kept informed through official channels as appropriate.