Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy who managed to rebound from sex scandals and corruption allegations, has passed away at the age of 86. According to Italian media, he died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan.

In April, Berlusconi received treatment for a lung infection, which was later revealed to be connected to a previously undisclosed case of chronic leukemia.

Known for his flamboyance and status as a billionaire media tycoon, Berlusconi first took office in 1994 and served as Prime Minister for four terms until 2011.

He led the centre-right Forza Italia party and, after the September elections, formed a coalition under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while being elected to Italy’s upper house, the Senate.

Upon hearing the news, Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, expressed deep sorrow, stating that Berlusconi’s death has created a “tremendous void.” In a tweet, Crosetto bid farewell to Berlusconi, emphasizing his strong affection for the former Prime Minister.

With Berlusconi’s passing, an era comes to an end, leaving behind a legacy marked by both controversy and political influence.