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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi died Monday at the age of 86.
Former Italian Prime Minister and billionaire Silvio Berlusconi died Monday, June 12, in Milan, at the age of 86. The business tycoon died of leukemia at San Raffaele Hospital, where he was admitted again on Friday after multiple stays. He profoundly marked the political landscape of his country.
Born in 1936 in Milan, he is in turn a vacuum cleaner salesman, variety show presenter, singer on cruise ships. In the 1980s, he became the owner of a television empire in Italy, and even of a French channel. He also chairs the AC Milan football club, then subscribed to success.
Charming and infuriating
At the age of 57, he landed in politics, and outdated the ruling class. Elected President of the Council (the equivalent of Prime Minister in France), he created Forza Italia, a very liberal right-wing political party at his exclusive service. If he sometimes charms the Italians, he often exasperates his European partners by being familiar with sweeping declarations.
The one who is nicknamed “El Cavaliere” is later caught up in sex scandals – parties with underage prostitutes that will cost him dearly politically, and lead him to court. Partially pardoned, he managed to get himself elected MEP in 2019 for what will remain as his last term.