Silvio Berlusconi, the leader of Italy’s Forza Italia party and the country’s former premier, has died at age 86.
He was admitted to a Milan hospital on Friday for what aides said were pre-planned tests related to his leukemia.
Berlusconi’s death on June 12, leaves a “huge void” because he was a great man, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Twitter on Monday.
Berlusconi led Italy as prime minister three times between 1994 and 2011. A billionaire, Berlusconi made his fortune in media, founding Fininvest, a media holding company, in the 1970s.
In the 90s, he established the right wing Forza Italia party, which merged with the People of Freedom party in 2009. In 2013, Berlusconi re-established Forza Italia as a separate entity.
The former premier has been the subject of several controversies, and in February was acquitted of charges which alleged that he had paid a minor for sex during a party at his Sardinia estate.
Years of scandals
As Berlusconi aged, some derided his perpetual tan, hair transplants and live-in girlfriends who were decades younger. For many years, however, Berlusconi seemed untouchable despite the personal scandals.
Criminal cases were launched but ended in dismissals when statutes of limitations ran out in Italy’s slow-moving justice system, or he was victorious on appeal.
Investigations targeted the tycoon’s steamy so-called “bunga bunga” parties involving young women and children, or his businesses, which included the soccer team AC Milan, the country’s three biggest private TV networks, magazines and a daily newspaper, and advertising and film companies.
Only one led to a conviction – a tax fraud case stemming from a sale of movie rights in his business empire. The conviction was upheld in 2013 by Italy’s top criminal court, but he was spared prison because of his age, 76, and was ordered to do community service by assisting Alzheimer’s patients.
He still was stripped of his Senate seat and banned from running or holding public office for six years, under anti-corruption laws.
He stayed at the helm of Forza Italia, the center-right party he created when he entered politics in the 1990s and named for a soccer cheer, “Let’s go, Italy.” With no groomed successor in sight, voters started to desert it.
He eventually held office again – elected to the European Parliament at age 82 and then last year to the Italian Senate.
Berlusconi’s party was eclipsed as the dominant force on Italy’s political right: first by the League, led by anti-migrant populist Matteo Salvini, then by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, with its roots in neo-fascism. Following elections in 2022, Meloni formed a governing coalition with their help.
He suffered personal humiliations as well.
Berlusconi lost his standing as Italy’s richest man, although his sprawling media holdings and luxury real estate still left him a billionaire several times over.
Additional reporting by AlJazeera
87 Comments
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
What’s up, everything is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing information,
that’s truly excellent, keep up writing.
I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers
except this article is actually a nice article, keep it up.
Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I
will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my
friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
Usually I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful
& it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and
aid others like you aided me.
I used to be able to find good info from your content.
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors
and use something from their sites.
I have read so many content about the blogger lovers but this post is in fact
a good post, keep it up.
Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological world
all is existing on net?
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous
to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and
the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you
still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to
read far more from you. This is actually a great website.
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!!
I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked
to check out new stuff you post…
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this weblog; this weblog includes amazing
and genuinely fine information for readers.
I have been browsing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any
interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me.
Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly
enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hey I am so thrilled I found your website, I really found you by accident, while I
was browsing on Digg for something else, Regardless I
am here now and would just like to say thank you for
a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it
all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
more, Please do keep up the superb job.
Ahaa, its good discussion regarding this post at this place at this web site, I have read all that, so now me also
commenting here.
There is definately a great deal to find out about
this issue. I love all of the points you made.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of
us you actually know what you’re speaking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my website =).
We can have a hyperlink change contract between us
It’s awesome in support of me to have a site, which is beneficial in favor of my experience.
thanks admin
I think that is one of the most important info for
me. And i am satisfied reading your article.
But should observation on some common things, The website style
is perfect, the articles is truly nice : D. Good activity, cheers
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped
me. Many thanks!
This design is wicked! You obviously know how
to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
It’s an awesome paragraph in support of all the online users; they will get benefit from it
I am sure.
Thanks to my father who informed me regarding this webpage, this web site is actually amazing.
Remarkable! Its genuinely remarkable article, I have got much clear idea regarding
from this piece of writing.
My brother suggested I might like this website.
He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much
time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article. I
like to write a little comment to support you.
I am actually thankful to the holder of this web site
who has shared this enormous paragraph at at this time.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your website in web explorer,
might check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a
good component to other people will omit your fantastic writing due to
this problem.
I think the admin of this site is in fact working hard in support of his site,
since here every material is quality based stuff.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at a
few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly pleased
I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it
and checking back regularly!
Hello Dear, are you truly visiting this
web page regularly, if so after that you will definitely obtain nice
knowledge.
Ahaa, its nice dialogue concerning this article here at this web site, I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious familiarity about unpredicted
feelings.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before end I am reading
this wonderful post to improve my experience.
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way
in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great web site.
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
Thanks for finally writing about > Silvio Berlusconi, former
Italian prime minister known for scandals, dies at 86 –
The Albertine Journal < Loved it!
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one!
It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same page
layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to
browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the
knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get
home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!
I simply could not go away your web site before suggesting
that I actually enjoyed the usual information an individual supply in your guests?
Is gonna be back continuously to check up
on new posts
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out
for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Awesome post.
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data!
existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web page.
I am in fact thankful to the owner of this website who has shared this enormous
piece of writing at at this place.
Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need
some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Cheers
It’s really very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, so I
only use the web for that reason, and get the newest information.
A blog like yours should be earning much money from adsense..-.,”
Hello, I want to subscribe for this website to get most up-to-date updates, so where can i do it please help out.
Wow! Finally I got a blog from where I be able to really get useful data regarding my study
and knowledge.
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this
weblog on regular basis to obtain updated from most recent reports.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as
I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours
and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide
here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!
Hi there superb blog! Does running a blog similar to
this require a lot of work? I’ve absolutely no knowledge of programming but I
had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any recommendations or tips for
new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic
but I just wanted to ask. Appreciate it!
Excellent post. Keep posting such kind of information on your page.
Im really impressed by your blog.
Hey there, You have done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I have read through a single thing like that before.
So nice to discover somebody with a few original thoughts on this subject.
Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
This site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people about this subject, however, you seem
like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
This article provides clear idea in favor of the new users of blogging,
that really how to do running a blog.
I am sure this post has touched all the internet users, its really really fastidious post on building up new webpage.
Greate article. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
Im really impressed by it.
Hello there, You’ve performed an incredible job.
I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to
my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.
Quality content is the main to invite the users to go
to see the website, that’s what this website is providing.
Normally I don’t learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it!
Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to
say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed
and I hope you write again very soon!
Hello there, You have done an incredible job.
I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as
yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Superb blog by the way!
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she needs to be available that in detail,
thus that thing is maintained over here.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest
but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site
to come back later on. Cheers
Superb website you have here but I was curious if you
knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals
that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Kudos!
Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any helpful hints for inexperienced blog
writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts
from this post as well as from our discussion made here.
Hi there, this weekend is fastidious for me, as this time i am reading this enormous
informative post here at my residence.
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Post writing is also a excitement, if you know
afterward you can write if not it is complicated to write.
This article is genuinely a pleasant one it helps new the web
visitors, who are wishing for blogging.
Stunning quest there. What happened after? Good luck!
You are so awesome! I do not think I have read through a single thing
like that before. So great to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this issue.
Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with a
little originality!
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing problem with ur rss . Don?t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss downside? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
I just added this blog site to my feed reader, excellent stuff. Cannot get enough!
If you wish for to improve your knowledge simply keep visiting this website and be updated with
the hottest news update posted here.
Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Thank you for another magnificent article. The place else may just anybody get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such info.
What?s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its helped me. Good job.
Thanks for your handy post. Through the years, I have come to be able to understand that the particular symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are caused by the build up of fluid involving the lining in the lung and the upper body cavity. The condition may start inside chest vicinity and spread to other parts of the body. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer include weight loss, severe breathing in trouble, vomiting, difficulty eating, and bloating of the neck and face areas. It needs to be noted that some people existing with the disease don’t experience just about any serious signs and symptoms at all.
Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Wonderful job!
It’s hard to find well-informed people for this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks