Silvio Berlusconi's Death Marked by State Funeral in Milan: Future of Business Empire and Political Party Uncertain

Italy is marking his death with a state funeral in Milan's grand cathedral, which is a privilege usually reserved for popes, war heroes, and serving ministers.

Berlusconi had a vast empire that spanned media, real estate, finance, cinema, and sport, and he was one of Italy's richest men.

His business assets are worth about €6 billion.

Berlusconi has two children from his first marriage and three from his second, and they all have stakes in Fininvest, his holding company.

The future of his business interests will depend on how he has chosen to distribute the 61% stake he had in Fininvest.

His children, particularly his oldest child Marina, are expected to take over the empire.

However, there are questions over the future of Berlusconi's political party, Forza Italia, which he created and which was entirely shaped around his persona.

Many Italians who backed the party did so because they were Berlusconi loyalists, and it will be tricky to appoint a successor they will warm to.

The future of Berlusconi's luxurious villas, including Villa San Martino in Arcore and Villa Certosa in Sardinia, is also uncertain.

Silvio Berlusconi's party Forza Italia is facing a potential crisis as speculation grows about his successor.

Berlusconi heavily funded the party with nearly €100 million and there is some speculation that his daughter Marina could take over as leader, but this remains unconfirmed.

Berlusconi's partner Marta Fascina, who is 53 years his junior, is also a possibility but her future role in the party is uncertain.

If Forza Italia does collapse, it would cause problems for the government coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Berlusconi's children may have to emerge from the shadows to take over his empire, but they may opt for an easy transition heralded by Marina rather than risk a succession battle.