Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, an esteemed billionaire media magnate and erstwhile prime minister of Italy, has passed away at the age of 86.
Silvio Berlusconi, the prominent billionaire media tycoon and former three-time Italian prime minister, has passed away at the age of 86.
According to local media, Berlusconi died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. However, these reports have not yet been independently verified by ARC.
Berlusconi's political career included three separate terms as Italian prime minister, serving from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006, and 2008 to 2011. Additionally, he held a position as a member of the European Parliament from 2019 until his passing, having previously served in the same capacity from 1999 to 2001.
Currently, Berlusconi's Forza Italia party functions as a junior partner within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's ruling right-wing coalition.
Throughout his life, Berlusconi faced numerous controversies and legal battles, including tax-related scandals and allegations of involvement in sexual impropriety. Notably, he was previously convicted, but later acquitted, of charges relating to engaging in sexual activities with an underage nightclub dancer at his infamous "bunga bunga" parties.
Berlusconi was a prominent figure in the Italian media landscape as the controlling shareholder of Mediaset, the country's largest commercial broadcaster. In addition to his media interests, he also owned the renowned Italian football club, A.C. Milan, from 1986 to 2017.
Over the years, Berlusconi battled several serious health issues, including a recent bout with COVID-19 that led to repeated hospitalizations starting in September 2020. Most recently, he underwent a six-week treatment for a lung infection linked to chronic leukemia before being discharged from the hospital.
The news of Berlusconi's passing has prompted various reactions, including Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressing via Twitter that his death leaves a significant void and marks the end of an era. Crosetto added, "I loved him very much. Goodbye Silvio," as translated.
Born on September 29, 1936, Berlusconi's tenure as prime minister spanned nine years, making him the third-longest-serving head of government in Italy's history, surpassed only by fascist dictators Benito Mussolini and Giovanni Giolitti.
During his political career, Berlusconi faced legal challenges related to his business interests. Although he had pledged to divest his assets in Mediaset during his time as prime minister, he ultimately failed to do so.
In 2013, Berlusconi was convicted of paying for sex with a 17-year-old individual, Karima El-Mahroug, at one of his parties, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office. However, two years later, Italy's highest court acquitted him of the charges.
Berlusconi was married twice and had five children.
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