Silvio Berlusconi, the iconic former prime minister who left an indelible mark on Italy’s political and cultural landscape while weathering numerous legal and sex scandals, has sadly died at the age of 86. Born on September 29, 1936, in Milan, Berlusconi’s controversial reign was defined by financial controversies and his transformative impact on Italian politics, influencing the perspectives of an entire generation.

Often likened to former US President Donald Trump, Berlusconi initially made his fortune in the real estate and construction sectors before venturing into other domains. During the late 1970s and 1980s, he forged a media empire, encompassing a publishing house and the prominent cable TV network Mediaset, which emerged as a formidable competitor to Italy’s state-owned television stations.

In a pivotal move in 1986, Berlusconi purchased the renowned AC Milan football team, rescuing it from the brink of financial collapse. However, it was in 1994 that “the Knight” (as Berlusconi was affectionately called) made his foray into Italian politics, founding the right-wing party Forza Italia (Go Italy). This marked the beginning of a new era in Italian politics, culminating in his election as prime minister later that same year.

Although Berlusconi’s initial term as prime minister lasted only a year, marred by accusations of fraud and concerns over his control of the media landscape, he managed to maintain his political influence. His promises of economic growth resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, leading to subsequent election victories in 2001 and 2008.

Berlusconi’s tenure as prime minister spanned until the end of 2011 when he resigned following a highly publicized sex scandal, resulting in a loss of trust from the parliament. Throughout his political career, he provided ample fodder for Italy’s tabloids, with over 20 trials scrutinizing allegations of abuse of power, financial fraud, and salacious rumors surrounding extravagant parties at his private villa near Milan.

The most infamous case involved accusations in February 2011 of soliciting sex from a 17-year-old Egyptian sex worker. Berlusconi faced significant criticism for supporting a law that granted politicians immunity from trials while in office, further eroding his popularity. His eventual replacement by a series of temporary technocratic governments underscored the impact of this tumultuous period.

Silvio Berlusconi’s passing signifies the end of an era for Italian politics. While his controversial legacy is marked by scandal and legal battles, his profound influence and captivating persona will forever remain a part of Italy’s political narrative.