These days Silvio Berlusconi seems in good spirits. There are reasons. As a political figure, businessman, and leader of the centre-right Forza Italia, formed in 1994 to enter politics, he remains alive in memory and influence, not merely a figure of the past. The recent elections have given him leverage he could wield in a possible government led by the far-right party Brothers of Italy, led by Giorgia Meloni, depending on how negotiations unfold.
There are even more reasons for the buoyant mood. On Thursday, Berlusconi celebrated turning 86 with a party at his residence in Arcore, Milan, surrounded by family, grandchildren, and close aides. Marta Fascina, his partner, has often been described by Italian media as the companion who stands by him. Their public presence followed a symbolic marriage celebrated the previous March, linking the billionaire to Fascina in the eyes of many observers. Fascina is notably 53 years his junior, and Berlusconi has in the past publicly highlighted his personal relationships, including his second wife Veronica Lario and his former marriage to Carla Dall’Oglio, among others.
Yet the world did not forget Berlusconi’s long and controversial career. The former head of government has faced a wide array of scandals spanning politics, finance, and law, with critics sometimes pointing to a combative style that included provocative remarks. He once chafed at the factions within the European Union, even addressing the state of affairs in Germany with a controversial quip that drew sharp reaction. His supporters argue the remarks were rhetorical bravado, while opponents see them as part of a broader pattern of controversial statements. His influence in media and sports—owning a major media group, a football club, and other ventures—helped shape a personal empire that left a lasting mark on Italian public life. In the annals of the Italian Republic, his tenure as prime minister is among the longest, marked by a blend of leadership and ongoing debate about his methods and outcomes.
honest liar
Applied to Berlusconi, the subject of much scrutiny and countless analyses, is a standard refrain in Italian discourse. Writers and photographers have covered every phase of his public life, from business triumphs to political turmoil. One oft-cited remark comes from the journalist Indro Montanelli, who described Berlusconi as a paradoxical figure, capable of mixing sharp wit with candid self-perception. Public portraits of the billionaire have featured a mix of hair transplants, skin procedures, and cosmetic tweaks, which some interpret as a public balance of self-presentation, while supporters say the personal upkeep is a matter of personal choice and resilience. He once suggested that his personal grooming efforts were a form of respect for others, a claim that has lingered in discussions about his image in the press. This controversy sits alongside the broader comparison many make between Berlusconi and contemporary political personalities in other democracies.
In recent years, Berlusconi’s political journey did not end with a formal government dismissal in 2011. He remained a central figure in Italian politics, guiding conversations and keeping a visible presence behind the scenes. As time moves on, observers consider how he might re-enter daily political life or influence a coalition from the shadows. Even as new leaders rise, his name continues to surface in discussions about strategy, alliances, and the balance of power within Italy’s political landscape. The ongoing dialogue around his role reflects not only a fascination with a historic figure but also a practical assessment of how experienced leadership can shape future policymaking and party strategies.
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