Silvio Berlusconi, the flamboyant and controversial figure who dominated Italian politics and media for decades, has passed away at the age of 86. Mediaset, his television network, announced his death on Monday.

The billionaire businessman and politician, known for his media empire, his charismatic personality, and his involvement in numerous scandals, leaves behind a complex legacy. Berlusconi served as Italy's prime minister for nine years across four non-consecutive terms, making him the longest-serving Italian leader since World War II.

His political career began in 1994 with the founding of the center-right Forza Italia party. He quickly ascended to the role of Prime Minister, but his first term was short-lived due to investigations into fraud and corruption. Though initially convicted, these convictions were later overturned.

Berlusconi remained a powerful force in Italian politics, returning to the premiership in 2001 and again in 2008. His time in office was marked by both economic reforms and political turbulence, with fluctuating public approval ratings.

Throughout his career, Berlusconi faced numerous legal challenges, including accusations related to his infamous "bunga bunga" parties. He consistently denied wrongdoing and was ultimately acquitted of all charges related to these parties. In 2013, he was convicted of tax fraud, resulting in a reduced sentence and a temporary ban from holding public office.

Undeterred, Berlusconi returned to politics after the ban expired, securing a seat in the European Parliament in 2019, a position he held until his death. His health had been a concern for years, having battled heart issues, prostate cancer, and a serious bout of COVID-19 in 2020.

Berlusconi’s passing marks the end of an era in Italian politics. He was a transformative figure, reshaping the country's media landscape and leaving an indelible mark on its political discourse.