Scandalously Renowned Former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, Dies Aged 86
The former prime minister and media mogul, who led three governments in Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, passed away in Milan's San Raffaele hospital today, on Monday, at the age of 86, reported sources close to the family according to the Italian news agency Ansa.
His brother Paolo and his children Marina, Eleonora, Barbara, and Pier Silvio are at the hospital where the Forza Italia leader was admitted on Friday for scheduled tests for his previously unknown chronic leukemia.
He returned to the Milan hospital less than a month after spending 45 days there to treat a lung infection related to leukemia, including 16 days in intensive care.
Berlusconi was one of Italy's most colourful politicians, despite a career marred by sexual scandals, numerous allegations of corruption, a conviction for tax fraud, and close friendly relations with Russian President Putin, pushing his interests in the EU.
Berlusconi was born in Milan in 1936 and made his name as a media magnate, building a massive business empire that included television networks, publishing companies, and advertising agencies. He entered politics in the 1990s and quickly made a name for himself as a shrewd and charismatic operator.
Berlusconi began his business career in real estate before founding Mediaset, Italy's largest commercial broadcaster. He also owned the football club AC Milan between 1986 and 2017.
The Forza Italia party was founded in 1993. A year later, Berlusconi became the first prime minister elected without prior government office. His second term, between 2001 and 2006, was the longest of any Italian leader since World War II. He returned to power in 2008, but was forced to resign in 2011 amid a severe debt crisis.
At the end of 2012, Berlusconi was found guilty of tax fraud, serving a one-year sentence, performing community service in a care home in Milan. His ban on running for office was lifted just before the 2018 general elections when Forza Italia ran in coalition with the League and the Brothers of Italy, but failed to get the 40% required to govern.
In 2019, Berlusconi secured a seat in the European Parliament, and in the general elections of October 2022, his party returned to power in coalition with the Brothers of Italy led by Giorgia Meloni. Berlusconi was also elected senator.
His legacy remains a subject of debate, with some praising him as a champion of free enterprise and a defender of Italian values, while others see him as a symbol of corruption and moral decline.
Berlusconi's death marks the end of an era in Italian politics and media, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy that will be discussed for many years to come.