FILE - In this Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, file photo, Franco Macri, center, father of Argentina's new President Mauricio Macri, arrives for his son's inauguration ceremony at the government house in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Franco Macri, who migrated to the South American country from Italy as a teenager and went on to become one of its most prominent businessmen, died Saturday, March 2, 2019, the president’s office said. He was 88. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano, File)
Republished March 02, 2019 - 7:29 PM
Original Publication Date March 02, 2019 - 6:56 PM
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Franco Macri, the father of Argentina's president who migrated to the South American country from Italy as a teenager and went on to become one of its most prominent businessmen, died on Saturday, the president's office said. He was 88.
The father of President Maurico Macri had been having health troubles and was recently hospitalized with a broken hip. A brief statement from the president's office said he died at home but did not give a cause of death.
Franco Macri migrated to Argentina from Italy as a teen and went on to build a business empire with interests ranging from construction to the automotive industry.
His son, Mauricio, followed in his father's footsteps becoming a successful businessperson before entering politics and assuming the presidency on Dec. 10, 2015. However, the two men's relationship had some tense moments that emerged in public.
Both supporters and rivals of Argentina's president sent their condolences to him.
Daniel Scioli, the presidential contender Macri beat in Argentina's last election, tweeted: "My respects and condolences to the President ... to his family, for the death of his father Franco Macri. I salute you with affection."
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Associated Press journalist Paul Byrne contributed to this report from Buenos Aires.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019