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Silvio Berlusconi, born on September 29, 1936, in Milan, Italy, was a multifaceted personality known for his roles as a media tycoon, politician, and controversial figure.
Career
Berlusconi’s rise to prominence began in the late 1960s when he entered the financial elite of Italy. He founded Mediaset, where he was the controlling shareholder, and also ventured into sports ownership by acquiring the Italian football club AC Milan in 1986, a position he held until 2017.
His influence in the media industry earned him the nickname “Il Cavaliere” (The Knight), partly due to receiving the Order of Merit for Labour.
The breadth of his media holdings was substantial, with ownership of major TV channels, control over RAI through his political influence, and ownership of Italy’s largest publishing company. Forbes recognized him as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, ranking him 190th in 2018 with a net worth of $8 billion.
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.
How much does Silvio Berlusconi Worth?
Silvio Berlusconi was the third-wealthiest person in Italy at the time of his death. He had a net worth of 6.8 billion dollars at the time of his death.
References
https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/world-news/2023/06/12/6486e70746163f495b8b45dd.html
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