Silvio Berlusconi, the flamboyant billionaire media mogul who held the record for the longest-serving premier in Italy, has passed away at the age of 86, according to reports from Italian media. Berlusconi had been hospitalized recently for the treatment of chronic leukemia. Over the years, he faced scandals surrounding his extravagant parties and allegations of corruption. Despite his controversies, he made a significant impact on Italian politics and global affairs.
Berlusconi began his political career after utilizing his television networks and immense wealth to launch his own party, Forza Italia. While some saw him as a charismatic statesman who aimed to elevate Italy’s international standing, others criticized him as a populist who abused his political power for personal gain. His party formed a coalition government with Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right party, although he himself did not hold any official position.
As he grew older, Berlusconi faced criticism for his artificial appearance, including his perpetual tan, hair transplants, and relationships with much younger women. However, he managed to maintain his influence in politics despite ongoing personal scandals. While he faced numerous criminal cases that ultimately went unresolved due to Italy’s slow justice system or ended in acquittals, one tax fraud conviction resulted in him being stripped of his Senate seat and banned from public office for six years.
Although his party’s popularity declined over time, Berlusconi managed to regain political office, serving in the European Parliament and later being elected to the Italian Senate in the most recent elections. Ultimately, his party was overshadowed by other right-leaning parties such as the League and Brothers of Italy, who formed a governing coalition along with Meloni’s party.
Berlusconi not only faced political setbacks but personal ones as well. He lost his status as Italy’s wealthiest individual, and his marriage ended in divorce after almost 20 years. Throughout it all, Berlusconi remained unapologetic, often stating that he was not a saint. He believed that his audacity appealed to the majority of Italians, who admired him for his unconventional behavior.
During his second term as premier, Berlusconi achieved his peak influence, solidifying Italy’s global presence through his close relationship with then-U.S. President George W. Bush. He supported the U.S.-led war in Iraq, despite facing opposition from many at home and in Europe. Berlusconi revolutionized Italian political campaigns, introducing U.S.-style conventions and advertising, which forced his rivals to adapt.
Throughout his career, Berlusconi portrayed himself as a self-made man, attributing his success to hard work. He was known for his love of life, especially women, which often landed him in controversial situations. He frequently made headlines for his relationships with TV starlets and was even involved in a trial involving allegations of paying for sex with a minor, from which he was eventually acquitted.
Berlusconi’s antics sometimes clashed with the Catholic Church, despite his conservative politics. His behavior scandalized many, leading to strained relationships with religious institutions and his divorce from his wife. However, Berlusconi always maintained that his unconventional approach resonated with voters and reflected what they admired about him.
As a media magnate, Berlusconi amassed his immense wealth by circumventing Italy’s state TV monopoly and establishing his own media empire. His networks, RAI and Mediaset, dominated the national market, accounting for approximately 90% of viewership in 2006. He utilized his media holdings to shape public opinion and solidify his political career.
Born into a middle-class family in Milan, Berlusconi initially achieved success in construction before venturing into the media industry. His impact on Italian politics was significant, as he rose to power during a time when corruption scandals had shaken the country’s political establishment. He founded Forza Italia to fill the void left by the old guard.
Silvio Berlusconi leaves behind a controversial legacy in Italian politics. Regardless of one’s opinion on him, his influence and longevity as a premier cannot be denied. Although he faced numerous scandals and legal battles, Berlusconi remained a prominent figure on the Italian political landscape for decades.
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