Silvio Berlusconi, the former prime minister of Italy and leader of the Forza Italia party, has died at the age of 86. Berlusconi was admitted to the hospital on Friday and passed away after battling health issues.
Berlusconi’s political career was marked by controversy and scandal. He served as prime minister multiple times, with his last term ending in 2011 amid Italy’s financial crisis. He faced various scandals throughout his tenure, notably involving his infamous “bunga bunga” parties.
Ten years ago, Berlusconi faced a ban on holding public office due to a tax fraud conviction linked to his media empire. The ban was lifted in 2018, enabling his return to the Italian Senate after the national election in September 2022.
Aside from politics, Berlusconi made a name for himself as the owner of AC Milan, one of Italy’s most prominent football clubs. He also built Italy’s largest commercial TV network, gaining international recognition.
Berlusconi had experienced several health issues in recent years. In April, he was treated in intensive care for a lung infection related to his chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer. He had also battled COVID-19 in 2020 and undergone heart surgery in 2016.
The passing of Silvio Berlusconi leaves a void in Italian politics, and the nation mourns the loss of a charismatic leader who left a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape.
