Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sent a video message to his party "Forza Italia" (Italy Forward) this Saturday, marking his first appearance since entering the hospital a month ago, stating that he is ready to return to work. Berlusconi (86 years old) appeared wearing a blue shirt and suit, heavily made up, sitting behind a desk with the Italian and European flags beside a party banner.
He said, "I have never stopped, not even in the past few weeks. I have been working on the new structure of the party and I am ready to return to work with you and fight alongside you in our battles for freedom." Berlusconi mentioned, "In the past few weeks, I felt empathy from many people, including my political opponents, and I certainly thank them, but your empathy and embrace helped me overcome this truly serious pneumonia."
Berlusconi, who spoke for about 20 minutes, elaborated on his decision to abandon his executive roles in his business empire 30 years ago to enter politics "to save Italy from communism." He stated, "We are the essential and loyal foundation of this majority... we are the backbone of this government," referring to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government.
According to the newspaper "La Repubblica," Berlusconi recorded the message from his hospital room after doctors and relatives prevented him from leaving the hospital, fearing he would try to attend a two-day conference for his party in Milan. Berlusconi, who led the Italian government for four terms, was admitted to the hospital on April 5 and spent nearly two weeks in intensive care, leading to speculation that his life might be in danger, prompting many family members and friends to gather around him.
Doctors stated that after treating Berlusconi for a lung infection related to chronic blood cancer, he was moved out of intensive care and his condition is now stable and improving.
