Silvio Berlusconi makes first public statement since being admitted to hospital

Silvio Berlusconi gestures as he talks in his video address during a Forza Italia party convention, in Milan, Italy, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has made his first public statements since being admitted to hospital a month ago, delivering a video address to his Forza Italia party.

Mr Berlusconi, who appeared in the video sitting at a desk set up inside the hospital and flanked by Italian and EU flags, received a standing ovation from the floor of the party congress in Milan.