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Silvio Berlusconi was an Italian politician, media magnate, and controversial figure who was born in Milan on September 29, 1936.
Career
Berlusconi’s ascent to fame started when he joined Italy’s financial elite in the late 1960s. He started Mediaset, of which he was the sole stakeholder, and dabbled in sports ownership in 1986 when he bought AC Milan, an Italian football team, which he owned until 2017.
Because of his prominence in the media, he was dubbed “Il Cavaliere” (The Knight), in part because he was awarded the Order of Merit for Labor.
His vast media assets included ownership of important TV networks, political clout that allowed him to dominate RAI, and the largest publishing house in Italy. His $8 billion net worth placed him 190th on Forbes’ 2018 list of the world’s wealthiest people, making him one of the richest people in the world.
Berlusconi’s political journey was marked by both success and controversy. He served as the Prime Minister of Italy in four non-consecutive terms, from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011. His political party, Forza Italia, played a pivotal role in his political career. He led the center-right coalition for nearly two decades, making him the longest-serving post-war prime minister of Italy.
In 2013, Berlusconi was convicted of tax fraud, resulting in a four-year prison sentence and a ban from holding public office for two years. Although he was exempted from direct imprisonment due to his age, the legal troubles significantly impacted his political standing.
Personal Life
Berlusconi’s political style was characterized as populist and authoritative. He faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest arising from his extensive business holdings and his influence over media outlets, which some argued limited freedom of information.
Berlusconi’s personal life was as notable as his professional career. He was married twice, first to Carla Elvira Dall’Oglio, with whom he had two children, and later to Veronica Lario, with whom he had three children. His relationships and personal affairs often drew media attention, adding to his public persona.
In his later years, Berlusconi faced health challenges, including complications of chronic leukemia. He passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 86.
Who are Silvio Berlusconi Parents?
Luigi Berlusconi and Rossa Bossi are the parents of Silvio Berlusconi. Luigi was a bank employee and Rossa was a housewife.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvio_Berlusconi
https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/world-news/2023/06/12/6486e70746163f495b8b45dd.html