Master of Italian politics, billionaire from the slums, Berlusconi was born in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Milan, but knew how to build a business empire, spanning both construction and the media market. Always brilliant and charismatic, 100% Italian, holder of the record for the longest term as Prime Minister – he became head of government four times. According to current Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni, of his predecessors, only Berlusconi had an opinion and was not afraid to express it.
“It was this courage and determination that made him one of the most influential men in Italian history. At turning points he remained steadfast both in politics and in business. With him , Italy has learned to live without limits. Italy has learned to never give up,” said George Meloni.
Berlusconi entered politics when he was over 50. In his youth, he made his living singing on cruise ships. The passion for music stayed with him for life. Berlusconi was serenading even when he was already head of government. Including at a meeting with other party members.
In 2003, he dedicated one of his songs to Vladimir Putin. Berlusconi has always been a supporter of Russia. On his initiative, Boris Yeltsin took part in the 1994 G7 meeting in Naples. And since 1997 – for 7 years – the summit began to meet in G8 format. Also with the participation of Berlusconi, the idea of creating the Russia-NATO Council appeared.
“Berlusconi sought to establish good relations with world leaders and with the poles of power in world politics. This has manifested itself in relations with Russia,” said Elena Maslova, associate professor at the Department of Integration Studies and senior researcher at the Institute of International Studies at the State Institute of International Relations. of Moscow (MGIMO).
As for the friendship between Italy and Russia, it was particularly strengthened in the 2000s, when Vladimir Putin became President of Russia. Berlusconi has been criticized in the West for this. But he valued simple human relationships. In 2015 he came to Crimea to meet the Russian leader. The visit to the peninsula itself was a challenge for the European Union, which chose the path of imposing anti-Russian sanctions. But it was not a working visit, but a private visit by Berlusconi to Russia, and the leaders of both countries had many such friendly meetings.
“He had a personal friendship with President Putin. I know that this friendship even went against Italian policy. More recently, he spoke out against a member of his own party, expressing his opinion on the mistakes of Ukraine and President Zelenskyy. It is once again the fact that he has never hesitated to say what he thinks,” explains Paolo Grimoldi, former member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.
Berlusconi’s political statements have always made headlines. At the NATO summit in Germany, he embarrassed Angela Merkel. She was waiting for him on the red carpet – as the hostess of the event. And he went to talk on the phone.
Many European politicians were annoyed by his eccentricity. But Berlusconi has not changed. Without political ambitions, Berlusconi would have become a household name in football – his love for the sport inspired him to buy the Milan club, which he brought to European football leaders. He was surrounded by women until a very old age, but he was only officially married twice. In an interview with Repubblica Radio TV, Berlusconi explained in detail what his secret of success with women is.
“Millions of women dream of marrying me. And do you know why? Well, first of all, I’m cute. Second, rich, it’s no secret. Third, there are rumors that I’m good in bed. Well, and fourthly, each of the women is thinking the same thing: he’s old, he’s going to die soon, and then I’ll inherit everything,” he said.
Silvio Berlusconi was one of the richest people in the world. The details of his will are kept secret. It is only known that the politician banned the sale of his beloved luxurious 72-room 16th-century villa near Milan.
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