Italy's scandal-hit former PM Silvio Berlusconi dead at 86: Billionaire tycoon famed for notorious 'Bunga Bunga' sex parties dies after leukaemia battle


Italy's controversial former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi - famed for his notorious 'Bunga Bunga' sex parties - has died aged 86 after being admitted to hospital with leukaemia last week.

The billionaire businessman created Italy's largest media company before transforming the country's political landscape - while fending off multiple legal and sex scandals. His spokesman confirmed his death this morning.

The tycoon was admitted to San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Friday for what aides said were pre-planned tests related to his leukaemia. Berlusconi had been suffering from leukaemia 'for some time' and had recently developed a lung infection.

Soon after the news broke that he had died, it was announced that he will have a state funeral in Milan's cathedral.

'Silvio Berlusconi's state funeral will take place on Wednesday June 14 in the Milan Duomo,' the diocese in the northern Italian city said on its website.

Berlusconi's Forza Italia party is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition, and although he himself did not have a role in government, his death is likely to destabilise Italian politics in the coming months.

His business empire also faces an uncertain future. He never publicly indicated who would take full charge of his MFE company following his death, even though his eldest daughter Marina is expected to play a prominent role.