Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s controversial former Prime Minister, passed away at the age of 86 after being admitted to hospital with leukaemia last week. Berlusconi, a billionaire businessman who created Italy’s largest media company, transformed the country’s political landscape while constantly fending off multiple legal and sex scandals. The tycoon was admitted to San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Friday for pre-planned tests related to his leukaemia, but had been suffering from the disease for some time and recently developed a lung infection. Berlusconi’s death is likely to destabilise Italian politics as his Forza Italia party is part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, although he himself did not have a role in government.
Berlusconi was prime minister for three spells: 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011, during which he faced a series of legal charges, including corruption charges and a four-year sentence for tax fraud through his Mediaset media empire. He was also embroiled in various sex scandals and was admitted to hospital several times for numerous health issues, including leukaemia. Despite this, he was active in politics to the end as a senator and partner in Prime Minister Meloni’s right-wing government.
Berlusconi’s legacy is controversial, as he is seen as both a self-made man who charmed millions of Italians and a tax-evading playboy who exploited his vast media empire to further his political career and protect his business interests. Berlusconi’s business empire, including his 61% stake in family holding company Fininvest, faces an uncertain future as he never publicly indicated who should lead his companies after his death. His eldest daughter, Marina, is expected to play a prominent role.
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