Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian Prime Minister, has been diagnosed with leukaemia. The news was announced by his personal doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, who stated that Berlusconi had been undergoing tests for the past few days and that the diagnosis had been confirmed. Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and can lead to a range of symptoms including fatigue, fever, and infections. Berlusconi’s diagnosis has been met with a mixture of concern and sympathy from his supporters and political opponents alike.
Berlusconi is no stranger to health problems, having undergone heart surgery in 2016 and being hospitalised with Covid-19 in September 2020. However, his leukaemia diagnosis comes as a shock to many, given that he has always been seen as a robust and energetic figure. The news has also raised questions about his political future, as Berlusconi is still an influential figure in Italian politics despite being banned from holding public office due to a tax fraud conviction. Some have speculated that his illness may prompt him to retire from politics altogether, while others have suggested that he may use it as a way to garner sympathy and support from voters.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Berlusconi’s future, there has been an outpouring of support for him from across the political spectrum. Italian President Sergio Mattarella has sent his best wishes to Berlusconi, while other politicians have praised him for his contributions to Italian politics over the years. Berlusconi himself has remained upbeat, stating that he intends to fight the disease with all his strength and that he is confident of making a full recovery. The coming months will be a challenging time for the former Prime Minister, but he can be assured of the support and well-wishes of many as he battles this latest health challenge.
