MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Father of Argentine president and prominent businessman dies at age 88

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 auto industry

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.”

Likewise ex president Cristina Fernandez, and declared enemy of the Macri family wrote: “To president Mauricio Macri and his family, my condolences for the loss of your father”