Ex-PM of Italy Berlusconi is in intensive care 

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 86, has been admitted to intensive care with breathing difficulties. Local reports say the former PM is being treated for a form of leukaemia and remains in a stable condition and is alert. 

He has been hospitalised on several occasions in recent years, including for heart surgery in 2016 and pneumonia in 2020 after contracting Covid-19.

Berlusconi is a divisive figure in Italian politics, he was recently cleared of bribing young showgirls to lie about his “bunga bunga” parties. He still leads his Forza Italia party and is an elected senator. 

His family also owns a minority stake in football club AC Monza, which has climbed from the third tier of Italian football to Serie A during his five-year ownership.

“Warm wishes, dear president, from the whole big red-and-white family,” tweeted club president Adriano Galliani.

His poor health has raised questions about the future of both his party and his media empire – which included television channels and publishing companies. 

Many of his colleagues have expressed optimism about his return to frontline politics but his ill health will weaken his party’s position in the ruling coalition.