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Silvio Berlusconi
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Introduction
Silvio Berlusconi (1936–2023) was an Italian media tycoon, politician, and the longest-serving post-war Prime Minister of Italy, holding office for three separate terms (1994-1995, 2001-2006, and 2008-2011). Berlusconi was born in Milan on September 29, 1936, to a middle-class family. He attended the prestigious Università Statale in Milan, where he graduated with a law degree. His early career was in construction and real estate, but he quickly expanded into the media sector, founding Fininvest in 1978, a media conglomerate that would later control Italy's largest commercial broadcaster, Mediaset.
Berlusconi’s entry into politics came in 1994 when he founded the center-right party Forza Italia. His political career was marked by his charismatic and controversial leadership style. He served as Prime Minister during times of economic reform, introducing measures aimed at reducing taxes and deregulating the labor market, although his time in office was also characterized by significant political instability, with multiple cabinet reshuffles and coalition breakdowns.
Berlusconi's tenure was marred by numerous legal challenges and accusations of corruption, tax fraud, and bribery. He faced multiple trials and was convicted in some cases, including a 2013 conviction for tax fraud, which led to his expulsion from the Italian Senate. Despite these controversies, Berlusconi remained a dominant figure in Italian politics and media, leveraging his control over Mediaset and other media outlets to influence public opinion.
His personal life was as public and controversial as his political career, with numerous scandals, including allegations related to his private life and legal battles over charges of soliciting minors for sex. These scandals often overshadowed his political achievements, and his image was further complicated by his close ties with other controversial leaders, including Vladimir Putin.
Despite his legal troubles and the scandals surrounding him, Berlusconi remained an influential figure in Italian politics until his death. He was also a member of the European Parliament from 2019 until his death in 2023. Berlusconi passed away on June 12, 2023, leaving behind a complex legacy as one of the most influential and polarizing figures in modern Italian history.
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