1994 Elections
In 1994, Silvio Berlusconi entered politics on a grand scale and founded Forza Italia. His first attempt at becoming the Prime Minister of Italy culminated in the parliamentary elections held on March 27 and 28. Forza Italia emerged as the single largest party, securing an astonishing 21.0% of the popular vote.
2001 Elections
Berlusconi’s political influence grew over the years, and in 2001, he successfully became Italy’s Prime Minister for the first time. The elections, which took place on May 13, 2001, saw Forza Italia securing 29.4% of the popular vote. Although the party’s share decreased from the previous election, they still managed to form a center-right coalition and secure the majority in the Parliament.
2006 Elections
The parliamentary elections held on April 9 and 10, 2006, marked a setback for Berlusconi’s electoral ambitions. Forza Italia, in coalition with other right-wing parties, secured 23.7% of the popular vote, resulting in a defeat for Berlusconi’s government. The center-left coalition led by Romano Prodi emerged victorious, marking the end of Berlusconi’s five-year tenure.
2008 Elections
Undeterred by his previous defeat, Berlusconi made a comeback in the 2008 parliamentary elections held on April 13 and 14. This time, his party, renamed The People of Freedom, secured 37.4% of the popular vote, emerging as the largest party in the Parliament. Berlusconi was sworn in as Italy’s Prime Minister for the third time.
2013 Elections
The 2013 parliamentary elections held on February 24 and 25 marked a decline in Berlusconi’s electoral popularity. The People of Freedom, now part of a center-right coalition, managed to secure only 29.2% of the popular vote, finishing second behind the center-left coalition led by Pier Luigi Bersani. This defeat signaled the waning influence of Berlusconi in Italian politics.
2018 Elections
In the most recent parliamentary elections held on March 4, 2018, Berlusconi’s Forza Italia faced another disappointing result. The party, aligned with other right-wing parties, managed to secure only 14% of the popular vote. However, it is worth noting that the election resulted in a fragmented Parliament without a clear majority, leading to complex coalition negotiations.
In Conclusion
Silvio Berlusconi’s electoral performance has witnessed ups and downs throughout his political career. From the significant victory in 2008 to the more recent decline in 2018, his trajectory reflects the changing dynamics of Italian politics. Despite the setbacks, Berlusconi remains a central figure on the political scene, and his influence cannot be ignored.
- 1994: 21% of the popular vote
- 2001: 29.4% of the popular vote
- 2006: 23.7% of the popular vote
- 2008: 37.4% of the popular vote
- 2013: 29.2% of the popular vote
- 2018: 14% of the popular vote
Despite fluctuations in the number of votes, Silvio Berlusconi’s impact on Italian politics is undeniable. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his policies, his presence has undoubtedly left a mark on the country’s political landscape.