Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian PM passes away at 86 after battling health issues
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, known for sex scandals and corruption allegations, has died at age 86 while undergoing pre-planned tests for leukemia.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has passed away at the age of 86 after battling serious health issues that led to his hospitalisation in recent months. He was first hospitalised in 2020 for a lung infection after contracting COVID-19, reported Wion news.
Health struggles and demise
Having held significant political power in Rome, Berlusconi's health had deteriorated significantly in the later stages of his life. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with chronic leukemia and was admitted to Milan's San Raffaele Hospital, where he ultimately passed away on Monday morning, according to reports.
Flamboyant persona and political legacy
Despite his career being marred by scandals, particularly the infamous 'bunga-bunga' sex parties, Berlusconi, also known as "Il Cavaliere" (The Knight), remained a flamboyant and influential figure in Italian politics.
Berlusconi's death comes a month after he delivered his first public address since his hospitalisation. Just a month before his death, Berlusconi addressed his Forza Italia party members through a pre-recorded video message. He expressed his readiness to return to work and emphasised his commitment to the party's objectives and the fight for freedom. The video was filmed after doctors and relatives prevented him from leaving the hospital to attend the party's convention in Milan.
Rise to power and media influence
Born in 1936 to a middle-class family, Berlusconi's journey to power is a tale that could inspire many, despite his unconventional choices in life. As the owner of the broadcasting company Mediaset, he entered the media industry in 1973 by establishing TeleMilano, a small cable television company. Over time, this venture grew, leading to the creation of Canale 5 and eventually positioning him as a media mogul with Mediaset, which also fueled his political aspirations.
Berlusconi founded Forza Italia, a center-right party, in 1994 with the aim of defeating the "communists." His party introduced a populist style of politics in Italy, propelling him to the upper ranks of the political establishment.
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Business NewsNewsWorldSilvio Berlusconi, former Italian PM passes away at 86 after battling health issues
First Published:12 Jun 2023, 02:36 PM IST
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