Watch live as Italian people pay their respects at the villa of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi following his death at the age of 86. Italy's longest-serving premier, who led four governments across three spells as prime minister, died on Monday, 12 June. Local Italian media reported that Mr Berlusconi passed away after being admitted to hospital last Friday. A Downing Street spokesperson paid tribute to the former Italian leader, praising how Mr Berlusconi "made a huge impact on Italian politics over several decades. "Our thoughts are with the Italian people and his family," they added. Mr Berlusconi's last few years in office were tarnished by allegations of corruption and sex scandals. Tales of "bunga bunga" sex parties at his lavish villa outside Milan surrounded the former prime minister, and he was accused of having unlawful sex with a 17-year-old nightclub dancer known as “Ruby the Heartstealer” but was acquitted on appeal. Several women testified that the "bunga bunga" parties were “elegant dinners”. Read More What happened in Silvio Berlusconi’s notorious ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex party scandal? Why was Silvio Berlusconi a controversial figure? Putin pays tribute to ‘dear friend’ Berlusconi
Watch live as Italian people pay their respects at the villa of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi following his death at the age of 86.
Italy's longest-serving premier, who led four governments across three spells as prime minister, died on Monday, 12 June.
Local Italian media reported that Mr Berlusconi passed away after being admitted to hospital last Friday.
A Downing Street spokesperson paid tribute to the former Italian leader, praising how Mr Berlusconi "made a huge impact on Italian politics over several decades.
"Our thoughts are with the Italian people and his family," they added.
Mr Berlusconi's last few years in office were tarnished by allegations of corruption and sex scandals.
Tales of "bunga bunga" sex parties at his lavish villa outside Milan surrounded the former prime minister, and he was accused of having unlawful sex with a 17-year-old nightclub dancer known as “Ruby the Heartstealer” but was acquitted on appeal.
Several women testified that the "bunga bunga" parties were “elegant dinners”.
Read More
What happened in Silvio Berlusconi’s notorious ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex party scandal?
Why was Silvio Berlusconi a controversial figure?
Putin pays tribute to ‘dear friend’ Berlusconi
