Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy, has broken his month-long silence since his hospitalization by delivering a video message to his political party, Forza Italia, on Saturday.
In the video, Berlusconi appeared seated at a desk inside the hospital, flanked by Italian and EU flags. The audience at the party congress in Milan greeted him with a standing ovation. Notably, the 86-year-old three-time former premier and media mogul mentioned that it was the first time he had worn a coat and jacket since being hospitalized.
Addressing party members, Berlusconi emphasized the significance of Forza Italia as an essential and loyal pillar within the governing majority, led by Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy. He expressed pride in the government’s accomplishments thus far, specifically highlighting the reduction in payroll taxes.
Berlusconi’s hospitalization began on April 5 at Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, where he was admitted due to a lung infection. Subsequently, doctors revealed that he also suffers from chronic leukemia.
Within Meloni’s coalition, Berlusconi’s party holds the smallest position, alongside Matteo Salvini’s League. Although he retains a seat in the Senate, Berlusconi does not occupy any Cabinet posts.
