Berlusconi was born in 1936 in Milan, Italy. He began his career in the late 1960s as a real estate developer, quickly becoming one of the wealthiest businessmen in Italy. He entered politics in the 1990s, founding the Forza Italia party in 1994. He served as Prime Minister of Italy four times between 1994 and 2011.
Despite his achievements, Berlusconi was often at the center of political scandals. One of the most infamous of these was the Rubygate scandal, in which Berlusconi was accused of having sex with an underage prostitute. Though he was eventually acquitted of those charges, the scandal and its aftermath further damaged his reputation.
Berlusconi’s political views were often controversial as well. He was a staunch opponent of gay rights, with several anti-gay policies under his leadership being overturned by the courts. He made numerous offensive comments about women, earning him the nickname “Bunga Bunga” after a sex party he was alleged to have attended.
Despite all of this, Berlusconi remains a significant figure in Italian politics. His conservative views and support for traditional values have earned him a strong following in Italy, particularly among the elderly and wealthy. He is often credited with helping to modernize the country’s economy, as well as his work to improve infrastructure and modernize Italian cities.
Berlusconi’s long and controversial career has left a lasting mark on Italian politics. Even though he is no longer in power, his influence can still be felt in the country’s political discourse. Despite his many controversies, he remains a captivating and polarizing figure who will be remembered for years to come.