Italy's ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi has coronavirus

The three-time PM and media tycoon, who gained worldwide notoriety over the 'bunga bunga' sex parties scandal, had been recently pictured with an old friend.

By Angelo Amante

Italy's ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi has coronavirus

The three-time PM and media tycoon, who gained worldwide notoriety over the 'bunga bunga' sex parties scandal, had been recently pictured with an old friend.

By Angelo Amante

Italy’s former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in isolation at home, his staff say.

Berlusconi, 83, will continue working from his house in Arcore, near Milan, the statement said, and will contribute to the electoral campaigns of candidates from his Forza Italia party at local elections scheduled for September.

The three-time PM and media tycoon had been recently pictured with an old friend, businessman Flavio Briatore, who was hospitalised after testing positive to COVID-19 last month.

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Berlusconi had tested negative at the time.

ROME, ITALY - (ARCHIVE): A file photo dated August 22, 2019 shows Former premier and leader of the Forza Italia (FI) party Silvio Berlusconi making a speech during a press release after a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella (not seen), on the government crisis at Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Baris Seckin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Credit: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Berlusconi gained worldwide attention in 2013 over the ‘Bunga Bunga’ sex parties scandal.

He’s recently gained new attention on Italy’s political scene ahead of regional elections in late September, when Forza Italia could prove crucial for a possible win of the center-right opposition.

“(Berlusconi) will continue to support Forza Italia and center-right candidates at the regional and administrative elections, with daily interviews on papers, TV and social media,” his office said in a statement.