When criticized in 2003 at the European Parliament by a German lawmaker, Berlusconi likened his adversary to a concentration camp guard. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States by claiming Western civilization was superior to Islam. Berlusconi’s then-wife publicly demanded an apology. “If I weren’t married, I would marry you immediately,” Berlusconi reportedly said in 2007 to Mara Carfagna, who later became a Cabinet minister. He occasionally selected TV starlets for posts in his Forza Italia party. “I love life! I love women!” an unrepentant Berlusconi said in 2010. At one party, newspapers reported the women were dressed as “little Santas.” At another, photos showed topless women and a naked man lounging poolside. He boasted of his libido and entertained friends and world leaders at his villas. Still, Berlusconi billed himself as a self-made man, saying, “My formula for success is to be found in four words: work, work and work.” His close friendship with longtime Socialist leader and former Premier Bettino Craxi was widely credited for helping him become a media baron. When the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement gained strength, Berlusconi branded it as a menace worse than Communism. I have always been at the rallies, at the gatherings. In a display that spoke to the depth of feeling his most fervent supporters had for him, anchors at his private Mediaset network choked up as they announced his death Monday.Īngela Dravi, who worked as a seamstress for Berlusconi and joined a few dozen supporters gathered outside his villa, said she has a bathrobe that the ex-premier discarded and wears it to this day to be close to him. “The majority of Italians in their hearts would like to be like me and see themselves in me and in how I behave,” he said in 2009, during his third and final stint as premier. The Catholic Church, at times sympathetic to his conservative politics, was scandalized by his antics, and his wife of nearly 20 years divorced him, but Berlusconi was unapologetic, declaring: “I’m no saint.”īerlusconi insisted that voters were impressed by his brashness. Investigations targeted the tycoon’s steamy so-called “bunga bunga” parties involving young women and minors, or his businesses, which included the soccer team AC Milan, the country’s three biggest private TV networks, magazines and a daily newspaper, and advertising and film companies. For many years, however, Berlusconi seemed untouchable despite the personal scandals.Ĭriminal cases were launched but ended in dismissals when statutes of limitations ran out in Italy’s slow-moving justice system, or he was victorious on appeal. Putin sent a telegram of condolence, hailing Berlusconi as a “patriarch” of Italian politics and a true patriot.Īs Berlusconi aged, some derided his perpetual tan, hair transplants and live-in girlfriends who were decades younger. All must recognize that his impact on political life, but also economics, sports and television, has been without precedence.” “Silvio Berlusconi made history in this country. Article contentįormer Premier Matteo Renzi recalled Berlusconi’s divisive legacy on Twitter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.
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