Former PM of Italy passes away at 86

Milan: Silvio Berlusconi, the charismatic former prime minister who left an indelible mark on Italy's political and cultural landscape, has died at the age of 86.

Berlusconi, a billionaire media mogul, had been battling a rare form of blood cancer.

In a show of grief, mourners gathered outside Berlusconi's residence, Villa San Martino near Milan, leaving flowers and heartfelt notes.

The nation will observe a day of mourning on Wednesday, culminating in a state funeral at Milan's Duomo Cathedral.

He remained the formal leader of the right-wing Forza Italia party, which was part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition government.

Meloni paid tribute to Berlusconi, describing him as a fighter who fearlessly defended his convictions.

International leaders also expressed their condolences, with Russian President Vladimir Putin praising him as a "true friend" and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban acknowledging his remarkable legacy.