Silvio Berlusconi, Ex-Italian Prime Minister and Media Magnate, Dies at 86

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s longest-serving postwar prime minister, has died at 86. He was known for his big personality and vast wealth, but later descended into an entrenched war and was often a target of ridicule abroad for his ribald jokes and sex scandals.

June 12, 2023 . 6:35 PM

1 min read

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s longest-serving postwar prime minister, has died at 86.
Berlusconi was known for his big personality, vast wealth, and a powerful media empire.
He brought a breath of fresh air to corruption-plagued politics but later descended into an entrenched war.
He was often a target of ridicule abroad for his ribald jokes, sex scandals, and overlapping political and business interests.
Berlusconi's political vision embraced liberal as well as populist views.