Milan, July 06, 2024, The Europe Today: The main international airport in Milan, Italy’s northern economic hub, is set to be renamed after the late former Prime Minister and business tycoon Silvio Berlusconi, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini announced at a conference in southern Italy.
Salvini, leader of the right-wing League party and a long-time ally of Berlusconi, confirmed that the final decision rests with him and expressed confidence that the renaming would proceed. “In memory of my friend Silvio, a great businessman, a great Milanese citizen, and a great Italian,” Salvini posted on social media platform X, alongside a photo of Berlusconi and Malpensa Airport, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) outside the city.
The civil aviation authority approved a request from the Lombardy region to rename Malpensa Airport in honor of Berlusconi, who passed away last year at the age of 86. Berlusconi, the leader of the center-right Forza Italia party, served as Italy’s Prime Minister in four separate terms and remained one of the country’s most polarizing figures.
Berlusconi was celebrated by supporters for his charisma and determination, while critics accused him of populism and using his political power to benefit his personal and business interests. Despite numerous personal scandals and legal challenges, Berlusconi often emerged unscathed, with many criminal cases against him either dismissed due to statutes of limitations or overturned on appeal.
The decision to rename Malpensa Airport has sparked a range of reactions, reflecting Berlusconi’s complex legacy. While his contributions to Italy’s political and business landscapes are acknowledged, his tenure remains a subject of intense debate.
The renaming of Malpensa Airport will serve as a lasting tribute to Berlusconi’s impact on Milan and Italy as a whole, symbolizing both his achievements and the controversies that marked his career.
