Silvio Berlusconi admitted to hospital with heart problem
Italy's former prime minister being kept under observation but condition is not life threatening
![160607-silvio-berlusconi.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yAoPjgRVSSKodV2uqqbs44-415-80.jpg)
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been admitted to hospital in Milan with a heart problem but his condition is not life threatening, a spokeswoman for his Forza Italia party said.
Hospitalisation was "a precaution" and was necessary after he suffered "cardiac deficiency", San Raffaele hospital said in a statement.
Berlusconi, who turns 80 in September, was reportedly tired at the end of an election campaign and was showing signs of fatigue late on Sunday evening, according to Italian daily newspaper La Stampa.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
His condition intensified yesterday to the point that medical staff suggested he be admitted to hospital for observation. He is expected to stay there for a couple of days and will undergo tests to determine his treatment.
The controversial media tycoon and centre-right politician, who was fitted with a pacemaker when he was 70, served in four governments for a total of nine years, making him Italy's longest-serving post-war prime minister.
He has kept a low profile since he was convicted of tax evasion and banned from public office in 2013, but promised earlier this year to return to the frontline of Italian politics and strengthen his party, which he said had been weakened by his absence.
Berlusconi told Italian daily Il Giornale that 2016 will be "the year of the battle against the regime of the left which suspended democracy".
He has pledged to relaunch his Forza Italia party and force out the centre-left government of Matteo Renzi.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Death of England: Closing Time review – 'bold, brash reflection on racism'
The Week Recommends The final part of this trilogy deftly explores rising political tensions across the country
By The Week UK Published
-
The Marriage of Figaro: 'lively' revival of Mozart's comedy 'zings along'
The Week Recommends David McVicar's 'ever-fresh' production is back at the Royal Opera House
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Last hurrah: have standing ovations gone too far?
Talking Point The media loves measuring audience applause but default 'clapathons' are 'running riot through our theatres'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Bizarre pizza toppings horrify Italians
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Being nosy 'helps you live longer'
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Gaza hospital blast: What the video evidence shows about who's to blame
Speed Read Nobody wants to take responsibility for the deadly explosion in the courtyard of Gaza's al-Ahli Hospital. Roll the tape.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giraffe poo seized after woman wanted to use it to make a necklace
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Helicopter sound arouses crocodiles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Woman sues Disney over 'injurious wedgie'
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Emotional support alligator turned away from baseball stadium
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published