At the age of 86, media tycoon and politician Silvio Berlusconi, who ruled Italian politics for over two decades, passed away. Having been receiving leukemia treatment in Milan's San Raffaele Hospital, he died away there.
One of the most divisive and significant personalities in contemporary Italian history was Berlusconi. He ascended from modest beginnings to become a millionaire businessman who owns the biggest private broadcaster in the nation, Mediaset, as well as the football team AC Milan. In addition, he established the center-right Forza Italia party in 1994 and served as prime minister for a total of nine years, helping it win three general elections.
Legal disputes, conflicts, and scandals characterized Berlusconi's political career. He was accused of power abuse, tax fraud, bribery, sex offenses, and corruption. He was found guilty of tax fraud in 2012, and his prohibition against entering public office expires in 2018. He also resisted many attempts to have him removed from office, including a vote of no confidence in 2010 and a fiscal crisis that compelled him to step down in 2011.
Despite his failures, Berlusconi continued to be a beloved and charismatic leader among his followers who adored his riches, charm, and defiance. He returned in 2017, and in 2019 he was elected to the European Parliament. He was elected to the Senate in 2022, and his party joined the ruling Brothers of Italy coalition under Giorgia Meloni.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, delivered Berlusconi bottles of vodka for his birthday and the two men were renowned for their strong connection. Putin sent his condolences to Berlusconi on Monday, describing him as a "dear person, a true friend." The contributions Berlusconi made to Italian and European politics were also lauded by other foreign leaders in their tributes to him.
Marta Fascina, Berlusconi's third wife, with whom he wed in 2022, and his five children Marina, Pier Silvio, Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi are his only surviving family members.