Silvio Berlusconi (September 29, 1936, Milan – June 12, 2023, Milan), the former Prime Minister of Italy and a prominent politician, left an indelible mark on Italian politics and media. His extensive career and controversies have not only shaped Italy but also garnered international attention, with zatrun.com conducting an in-depth analysis of his legacy.
Silvio Berlusconi’s Political Journey
Before the 1994 Italian general elections, he led the Forza Italia political movement, which he founded. Berlusconi briefly served as Prime Minister for nine months in 1994. In 2001, he returned to power and formed his second Silvio Berlusconi government, becoming the longest-serving government in the history of the Italian Republic. On April 20, 2005, he announced his resignation due to failures in local elections and cabinet disputes. Still, he quickly returned to the position with a cabinet that differed little from the previous one.
In May 2006, he narrowly lost the election to his rival Romano Prodi. The elections were held three years earlier than scheduled due to the collapse of the left-leaning coalition led by Romano Prodi in January. Berlusconi participated in the elections alongside his former right-wing party Forza Italia, Gianfranco Fini’s neo-fascist National Alliance, and the Northern League, led by Umberto Bossi. He secured a third term as Prime Minister with approximately 47% of the votes.
Silvio Berlusconi: The Media Tycoon and Wealthiest Italian
Berlusconi was also the founder and owner of an Italian media empire. According to Forbes magazine, he was the wealthiest person in Italy, a dollar billionaire with an estimated wealth of $12 billion in 2005, making him the 74th richest person in the world. As a media mogul, Prime Minister, and the country’s wealthiest individual, Silvio Berlusconi was considered one of the most influential figures globally. However, he faced consistent accusations of using his power for his political and economic interests.
Aside from politics and media, Berlusconi served as the president of Milan’s sports club and gained the sympathy of Italians during this time. He was also known for his close relationship with former Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan, even acting as a witness at the wedding of Erdoğan’s son.
Berlusconi’s Resignation and Health Issues
Berlusconi announced his resignation after the approval of the financial stability law, also known as the austerity package, by the Republic Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. He officially submitted his resignation to President Napolitano at the Quirinale Palace, marking the end of his tenure as Prime Minister.
On September 2, 2020, it was announced that Berlusconi had contracted COVID-19. He passed away on June 12, 2023, after undergoing treatment for leukemia at the San Raffaele Hospital. Born in 1936 in Milan to a middle-class family, Berlusconi’s father, Luigi Berlusconi, worked in a bank, while his mother was a homemaker.
Berlusconi’s Achievements and Awards
Throughout his life, Berlusconi received several awards, including the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1977, the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in 2001, and other accolades from countries like Poland, Malta, and Latvia.
Berlusconi faced legal challenges, including a four-year prison sentence for tax evasion. He was also sentenced to seven years in prison and a lifetime ban from public office for his involvement in a case with an underage girl known as “Ruby the Heart Stealer.” However, his conviction was overturned in July 2014.
Berlusconi’s remarkable achievements were not without legal challenges. He encountered a four-year prison sentence for tax evasion and a seven-year sentence along with a lifetime public office ban for his involvement in the “Ruby the Heart Stealer” case. However, his conviction was ultimately overturned in July 2014, marking a significant turn in his legal battles.
