Italian ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi in hospital with leukaemia

Silvio Berlusconi, former Prime Minister of Italy, has recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Berlusconi served as the Prime Minister of Italy for nine years from 1994 to 1995 and then from 2001 to 2011. He has been the dominating figure in Italian politics for two decades, with his centre-right party, Forza Italia, being one of the largest political parties in Italy, with a large influence in the Italian parliament. Despite his age and numerous scandals that have plagued him throughout his career, Berlusconi has not lost his influence in Italy.

Berlusconi’s 80th birthday was widely celebrated by his supporters, and even by some of his opponents in the Italian media. La Repubblica, a centre-left daily, referred Berlusconi as a “fearless Knight”. Although La Repubblica has for decades criticized Berlusconi for his political actions and extensively covered his scandals, it seems that even his political opponents are recognizing his achievements and political influence over the years.

The centre-right party of Berlusconi, Forza Italia is one of the largest and the most influential political parties in the Italian parliament. It is known for its stance on issues such as immigration, taxes, and economic policies. Berlusconi has been criticized for his views on immigration, as he has been accused of making racist and xenophobic remarks. However, his supporters argue that his views are in line with the party’s stance on immigration and that his policies could help boost the Italian economy.

Berlusconi’s career as a politician has been clouded by numerous scandals, including accusations of corruption, tax fraud, and sex scandals. Despite this, he has managed to maintain his influence over Italian politics. His supporters see him as a prominent figure in Italian politics, someone who has raised the profile of Italy on the international stage, while his critics see him as an embodiment of corruption and cronyism in Italian politics.

Berlusconi’s 80th birthday was a reminder of his long career in Italian politics and his influence in shaping Italian politics. His supporters see him as a political figurehead who has achieved much for Italy, while his critics continue to denounce him for his controversies and scandals. Despite his age and the scandals that have surrounded him, Berlusconi is still able to mobilize a large number of supporters, and his influence in Italian politics remain strong.



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