A great man passed away today; the greatest liberal of our times.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (1936-2023) was the one, along with Antonio Martino, who more than anyone else preserved our values and principles in Italian politics. He introduced Milton Friedman’s philosophy and economic policies to Italy, thus saving it from its illiberal drift. 

Berlusconi  served as Prime Minister in four governments from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006 and 2008 to 2011. He’s the longest serving Prime Minister in Italy’s post World War II history.

He was also the greatest friend of Israel in the history of Italy. 

To the entire Berlusconi family; to all friends; and to Forza Italia, the political party that he established in 1993;  and to all Italians; we express our condolences and our close affections. 

Today is a national day of mourning;  I have lost my Master to whom I owe a lot. Thank you Prime Minister; we are indebted to you; and may you rest in peace!

Alessandro Bertoldi is the  Executive Director of the Milton Friedman Institute and President of the Alliance for Israel. He’s a former member of the Forza Italia party. In 2013, Berlusconi appointed Bertoldi as commissioner for South Tyrol.