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Politics & World • Prime Minister of Italy

Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi was an Italian businessman and politician who served as prime minister of Italy three times between 1994 and 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Silvio Berlusconi was an Italian businessman and politician who served as prime minister of Italy three times between 1994 and 2011. He was a major media owner and the founder of Forza Italia. He built a large media and business empire before entering politics, and his career was marked by repeated legal and political controversies. He died in Milan in 2023 at age 86.

Early life and business career

Berlusconi was born in Milan in 1936. He became a businessman and built a large media and business empire, making him one of Italy’s most influential entrepreneurs.

Political career

He entered national politics in the 1990s and founded the political party Forza Italia. He served as prime minister three times: 1994–1995, 2001–2006, and 2008–2011. He was one of the dominant figures in Italian politics from the 1990s onward.

Berlusconi’s public life was repeatedly affected by corruption allegations, trials, and other scandals. These controversies shaped both his public image and debates about his legacy.

Later life and death

After leaving office, Berlusconi remained active in Italian politics and public life. He died on 12 June 2023 in Milan, Italy.

Key facts

  • He served as prime minister of Italy three times.
  • He built a large media and business empire before entering politics.
  • He founded the political party Forza Italia.
  • He was one of the dominant figures in Italian politics from the 1990s onward.
  • His career was marked by repeated legal and political controversies.
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Canadian context

Berlusconi is relevant to Canadian readers as a major European political figure whose media ownership, leadership style, and legal controversies were widely reported in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Silvio Berlusconi?
He was an Italian businessman and politician who served three terms as prime minister of Italy and founded Forza Italia.
When was Silvio Berlusconi born?
He was born on 29 September 1936 in Milan, Italy.
When did Silvio Berlusconi die?
He died on 12 June 2023 in Milan, Italy.
What was Berlusconi known for besides politics?
He was known for building a major media and business empire in Italy.
How many times was he prime minister?
He served as prime minister three times.
What party did he found?
He founded Forza Italia.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Silvio-Berlusconi
    Supports: Birth and death dates; Italian media magnate; three terms as prime minister
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvio_Berlusconi
    Supports: Dates of terms as prime minister
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65121890
    Supports: Birth date; death; public office and later political activity
  4. PBS NewsHour — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/silvio-berlusconi-tarnished-leader-who-transformed-italian-politics-dies-at-86
    Supports: Birth background; political significance and death