Who is Marta Fascina; the last girlfriend of the late Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi?

Both the state funeral for former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and a national day of mourning (lutto nazionale) are currently taking place today, with the funeral being held within the gothic architecture of Milan’s Duomo cathedral. However the event isn’t marred without controversy, much like the life of Berlusconi, as opposition to current PM Giorgia Meloni don’t believe the past actions of the former premier warrant a national day of mourning.

Though no official list of international dignitaries has been released regarding who will be attending the state funeral, one name that did confirm their attendance is current Hungary premier Viktor Orban. The two leaders have previously praised each other's political achievements and expressed admiration for their leadership styles. They also showed support for each other's policies, particularly on issues related to immigration and European Union integration.

Both of Berlusconi’s ex-wives are also said to be in attendance; Carla Elvira Dall'Oglio, who he married in December 12, 1965 and Veronica Lario, who he married in 1990. He had three children with Lario, Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi, while with Dall’Oglio he had Marina, born in 1966, and a son, Pier Silvio, was born in 1969. All five of his children are also said to be in attendance, despite a ‘Succession’ like situation involving all five of the children and what they are set to inherit from his estate.

Pier Silvio became involved in his father's media empire and played a significant role in managing the family's business interests, while Marina has been actively involved in the strategic development of Fininvest and its subsidiaries. Marina has maintained a public profile and has occasionally participated in political campaigns to support her father's political party, Forza Italia.

However, many eyes have been cast on Berlusconi’s last girlfriend, Marta Fascina, who caused controversy when it emerged she had an extra-marital affair with Berlusconi while in a relationship to Francesca Pascale - despite their separation in 2020, a few months before Berlusconi's public appearances with his Fascina, Pascale remained emotionally connected to him. She described their relationship as her "old life" and expressed deep sorrow over his passing

Who is Marta Fascina?

Martina Fascina, born in Calabria in 1990, is a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and affiliated with the Forza Italia party, founded and led by Silvio Berlusconi. She grew up in Naples and pursued her studies in literature and philosophy at the University of Rome. 

Fascina began her professional career as an editor at Il Giornale and later transitioned into politics, joining Berlusconi's party in 2018. She forged a connection with Berlusconi through a mutual acquaintance, former AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani - a club that Berlusconi was once owner and president of, alongside his role at Italy’s Prime Minister.

Despite the initial scandal of their relationship emerging while Berlusconi was married to Francesca Pascale, Fascina and Berlusconi developed a strong bond and celebrated a symbolic "party of love" on March 19, 2022, despite the opposition from Berlusconi's children.