More than a year after his death, Berlusconi can’t shake claims of corruption - or his synonymy with controversial ‘bunga bunga’ parties. Milan’s largest airport is set to be renamed in honour of Italy’s former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi - and the move has caused a huge row. Malpensa airport, also the second-busiest in Italy, had the name change confirmed by Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and minister of infrastructure and transport.
Announcing the decision, he took to social media saying: “Good news: Milan Malpensa airport will be named after Silvio Berlusconi.” Salvini says officials from the Lombardy region - where the airport is based - requested the change around a year ago, which was accepted by the board of directors of the country’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) last week. This acceptance, though, has caused an outcry in Italy.
A petition launched by the left-wing Young Democrats of Lombardy group calling on the relevant authorities to reconsider has reached more than 16,000 signatures. Milan's centre left Mayor Beppe Sala accused ENAC of giving in to pressure from conservative circles including right-wing Minister Salvini and going ahead without consulting SEA, the company that runs Milan's airports. Berlusconi’s name and controversy go hand-in-hand.
The late billionaire was elected prime minister of Italy three times and served for a total of nine years - that’s longer than anyone since the fascist dictator Benit.