Even though there are two Knights in the Berlusconi family and Sergio Mattarella laughs at Marina – Silvio’s eldest daughter – giving her the honor of Cavaliere del Lavoro, she herself is clear: “Silvio Berlusconi will always remain ‘the Knight'”. She arrives early at the Quirinale, accompanied by her husband, smiling for the photographers’ lenses, elegant as the occasion demands, in a black frock coat with satin lapels. “I dedicate this recognition to my father, who received the same title in 1977,” he says, looking down behind his smoked glasses.
Her father will mention it a thousand and a thousand times while in the Tapestry room, among dozens of knights and standard bearers, Gianni Letta accompanies her with a respectful look. “The appointment as Cavaliere del Lavoro is a great honor, and I want to thank President Mattarella and the Council for the Order of Merit for Work”, thanks the entrepreneur before accepting the amarcord. Until that day when she, as a young girl, was close to her father, at Colle to receive the high honor that was suspended but never revoked in the bitter years of judicial sentences. “More than forty years have passed, but I remember as if it were yesterday that day in Rome when my mother, myself and my brother Pier Silvio accompanied him to the ceremony for this honor. I was baby, and that moment will remain in my heart forever …”, he is moved.
When the lines of the ceremony are dissolved and reporters, knights and new guests at the ceremony gather around her to shake her hand, ask her for a selfie, thank her for her work at the head of the companies, the memory of Silvio Berlusconi brings out. a few tears. Marina does not go back. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone, fans and strangers.
At the exit from the Tapestry Room, the reporters attack. “I dedicate it to him, it’s an emotion for me, a very important day”, he says repeatedly as the ceremony turns up its nose at the many shots of the photographers after President Mondadori and the family holding Finivest . An empire of 17,220 employees with holdings in the television, publishing, banking and sports sectors, which Marina Berlusconi generously wants on her side: “I also want to say that this title is not just mine, but belongs to the people all too. work in the Mondadori Group and more generally in Mediaset and throughout the Fininvest Group, there is also a knighthood for them and I want to share it with them, because it is a recognition of their commitment, their energy, their passion”.
The offspring is on the stairs next to her husband, Maurizio Vanadia. Then the last cut of the ceremony, with the courtyard in the background and the exit, complete with a commemorative photo next to Gianni Letta in front of the entrance. “Sergio Mattarella said that Italy is doing well. It is true – Silvio’s heir takes the Quirinale holiday – All the economic data are comfortable, better than those of many other European countries, especially France and Germany. I think this government is doing a very good job and we hope we can continue like this.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and thank you for joining us today. We are here to discuss the recent ceremony where Marina Berlusconi received the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro, an honor that holds deep personal significance for her and her family. Joining us is Dr. Luca Ferraro, a noted political analyst and expert on Italian politics. Luca, welcome!
Dr. Luca Ferraro: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: The title of Cavaliere del Lavoro is not only a prestigious accolade but also deeply tied to the Berlusconi family legacy. Marina dedicated her recognition to her father, Silvio, who received the same honor in 1977. What does this continuity of recognition say about the Berlusconi family’s influence in Italy?
Dr. Ferraro: It speaks volumes about their enduring presence in Italian political and business spheres. The honor signifies not just personal achievements but represents their family heritage and the brand that Silvio Berlusconi created. By acknowledging her father so publicly, Marina not only reinforces that legacy but also solidifies her place within it.
Editor: Indeed. During the ceremony, President Mattarella appeared to be in good spirits, which contrasts with the more challenging aspects of the Berlusconi legacy, especially in light of the judicial issues that have surrounded Silvio over the years. How do you perceive this juxtaposition?
Dr. Ferraro: It’s quite revealing. On one hand, you have Marina, representing a new era and perhaps a more polished public image of the family, while on the other, there’s Silvio’s tumultuous past marked by judicial controversies. This ceremony could be seen as a way of rebranding—not only for Marina but also for the family as a whole, positioning them as established contributors to the Italian economy and society, rather than focusing solely on previous scandals.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Marina mentioned memories of her father receiving the honor in the past, indicating a strong emotional connection. How do these personal narratives play into public perception of political figures in Italy?
Dr. Ferraro: Personal narratives are incredibly powerful in Italy. They humanize political figures and create emotional connections with the public. By sharing her childhood memories, Marina invites the audience to see her as more than just a politician or a businesswoman—she’s a daughter honoring her father’s legacy. In Italian culture, such emotional appeals can significantly influence public opinion and garner support.
Editor: As the head of the family companies, Marina also secures the next chapter in Berlusconi’s business narrative. Could this recognition enhance her influence in Italy’s corporate sector?
Dr. Ferraro: Absolutely. Being recognized as Cavaliere del Lavoro not only opens doors but also reinforces her reputation as a serious player in the business world. It’s an acknowledgment of her contributions and leadership, which could lead to increased trust from investors and partners, further solidifying the Berlusconi brand within the corporate landscape.
Editor: Looking ahead, do you think this ceremony marks a turning point in how the Berlusconi family will engage with Italian society, especially considering the political climate?
Dr. Ferraro: It could very well be a turning point. With growing political volatility in Italy, the Berlusconi family may seek to reposition themselves as stabilizers within the economy rather than active political figures. By focusing on corporate contributions and public goodwill, they might navigate a complex political landscape, emphasizing their role as business leaders rather than politicians.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Luca. As we witness these events unfold, it will be interesting to see how the Berlusconi family continues to shape their narrative in Italian politics and society. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Ferraro: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s been a pleasure discussing this significant moment in Italian culture and politics with you.