COLUMNS

The Complex Legacy of Italy's Silvio Berlusconi

Jun 20, 2023 | 21:59 GMT

Silvio Berlusconi leaves a polling station after voting in Italy's September 2022 snap election. The former prime minister died on June 12, 2023, at the age of 86.

Silvio Berlusconi leaves a polling station after voting in Italy's September 2022 snap election. The former prime minister died on June 12, 2023, at the age of 86.

(Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

Silvio Berlusconi was a polarizing figure who lived many lives: media tycoon, successful real-estate developer, owner of the popular Italian football team AC Milan and, most notably, Italy's longest-serving prime minister. His 30-year political career was marred by controversy, scandals and legal battles over various fraud and corruption allegations. But it was also characterized by radical innovations in political strategies and communication, as well as an incredibly loyal support base. While his death marks the end of an era, Berlusconi's complicated legacy will live on through his enduring impact on Italian and European politics....

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