Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi leaves hospital

December 17, 2009

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left hospital after four nights recovering from Sunday’s attack which broke his nose and two teeth.

Mr Berlusconi had been in pain, with trouble eating, but had a “more serene” night last night, a spokesman said.

He is expected to recuperate at his villa just outside Milan for two weeks, and has cancelled engagements.

The attacker used a replica model of Milan cathedral to hit the prime minister as he was signing autographs.

He waved at waiting media as he was driven from the hospital with bandages on his nose and cheek.

Mr Berlusconi is expected to recuperate at his villa

His spokesman Paolo Bonaiuti told Italian television that Mr Berlusconi was “calm” when he awoke.

He had been expected to be released on Wednesday, but doctors kept him in hospital for a further night after “persistent pain”.

On Wednesday, a judge remanded his alleged attacker Massimo Tartaglia, 42, in custody.