Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi Has Died – Italian Media

MILAN, Italy - Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian prime minister and media mogul who dominated the country’s politics for decades, has died at the age of 86, according to Italian media reports.

He passed away at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had been admitted on Friday for a lung infection linked to a chronic leukemia condition.

Berlusconi was one of Italy’s most controversial and influential figures, who led four governments between 1994 and 2011. He was known for his populist rhetoric, lavish lifestyle and numerous legal battles over corruption, tax fraud and sex scandals.

He was also the founder and owner of Mediaset, Italy’s largest commercial broadcaster, and the former owner of AC Milan football club. He has a fortune estimated at $8.2 billion in 2021.

He remained active in politics until his death, leading his centre-right Forza Italy Party, which was part of the ruling coalition under Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. He was also a member of the European Parliament since 2019.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the political spectrum in Italy and abroad. Hi is survived by his two ex-wives and five children.