Silvio Berlusconi, the flamboyant Italian media mogul who served three terms as Prime Minister, died on June 2, 2023, at the age of 86.
Berlusconi was born in Milan in 1936. He made his fortune in the construction and real estate industries and later expanded into media and entertainment. In 1980, he founded the Forza Italia political party, which quickly became a major force in Italian politics.
Berlusconi served as Prime Minister from 1994 to 1995, 2001 to 2006 and 2008 to 2011. During his time in office, he implemented a number of controversial policies, including tax cuts for the wealthy and reforms to the education system. He was also accused of corruption and of having ties to organized crime.
Despite the controversies, Berlusconi remained a popular figure in Italy. He was seen by many as a charismatic and successful businessman who could bring economic prosperity to the country.
In recent years, Berlusconi’s health had declined. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 and he underwent surgery and chemotherapy. He also suffered from a number of other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Berlusconi died at his home in Milan on June 2, 2023. He was survived by his wife, Veronica Lario and his four children.
Berlusconi’s legacy is complex and controversial. He was a polarizing figure who was both loved and hated by the Italian people. However, there is no doubt that he was a major force in Italian politics for over two decades.
