Berlusconi, wife yet to finalise divorce settlement

The wife of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is seeking a monthly divorce pay-out of €3.5 million, quashing suggestions she had settled for a far lower settlement, reports said yesterday.

“Veronica Lario reiterated her demands in the framework of the separation agreement, including a cheque of around €3.5 million per month,” Italian news agency Ansa reported, quoting a document filed by Ms Lario’s lawyers at a Milan court.

An agreement was reached in May that would see Ms Lario receive a basic stipend of €300,000 per month plus the use of the luxury Milan villa where she resides.

However, the agreement hit the rocks over a further €1.8 million per month in costs offered by Mr Berlusconi, which Ms Lario said was insufficient, Ansa reported.

The former stage actress filed for divorce last year after revelations that the media tycoon, noted for his dalliances with other women, attended the 18th birthday party of an aspiring model who called him “Daddy”.

The next divorce hearing is due to take place in mid-December.

Mr Berlusconi is one of Italy’s richest men with a net worth of around $9 billion in 2010, according to Forbes magazine.