FX.co ★ Silvio Berlusconi is celebrating his anniversary

One of Europe's most controversial figures, Berlusconi made his way to become one of the most eminent, influential and high-ranking citizens of the country. Silvio Berlusconi was the longest serving post-war Prime Minister of Italy, who occupied the office for nine years in total, in three different terms. He is the third longest-serving Prime Minister since the Unification of Italy, after Benito Mussolini and Giovanni Giolitti.

Berlusconi was interested not only in politicsIn. In 1978 Berlusconi founded his first media group, Fininvest, a holding company under which he would eventually own television networks, department stores, the AC Milan soccer team, insurance companies, bookstore chains and real estate. Moreover, Berlusconi is the owner of the world famous 'A.C Milan' football club, the most famous football club of Italy. The Italian held this position from 1986 to 2016.

The former Italian Prime Minister also is known for his lovable character. Berlusconi is considered to be a true connoisseur of feminine beauty. He tied the knot with Carla Elvira Dall'Oglio in 1965. The couple was blessed with two children. Meanwhile, in 1980, he develop a romantic alliance with actress Veronica Lario with whom he fathered three children. In 1985, he divorced his first wife and five years later, married his long time sweetheart, Lario. However, this marriage too failed as Lario filed a divorce.

Photo: Silvio Berlusconi and his new girlfriend Francesca Pascale

Few people know that the main Berlusconi's hobby is singing and playing musical instruments. In early years, the future politician earned his bread by performing songs. During his university studies, he was an upright bass player in a group formed with the now Mediaset Chairman and amateur pianist Fedele Confalonieri and occasionally performed as a cruise ship crooner. In later life, he wrote AC Milan's anthem with the Italian music producer and pop singer Tony Renis and Forza Italia's anthem with the opera director Renato Serio. With the Neapolitan singer Mariano Apicella, he wrote two Neapolitan song albums: Meglio 'na canzone in 2003 and L'ultimo amore in 2006.

As far as the relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin is concerned, Berlusconi says that politicians have a personal friendship.

Photo: Berlusconi and Putin while fishing and relaxing at a spa complex in the Altai mountains in Siberia.

Berlusconi is a cheerful person. The politician once is convinced that the humor should be presented in the daily life of everyone. From its principles Italian refused Even during the important political negotiations the Italien doesn't loose his sense of humor. For example, during the Italo-German summit Berlusconi surprised Angela Merkel, suddenly looking out from the lamppost and shouting "Cuckoo!".

In 2013, Berlusconi's political career came to the end. Italy's top appeals court confirmed a two-year public office ban for former premier Silvio Berlusconi over a conviction for tax fraud with a four-year prison sentence, which was commuted to one year.

That sentence had already been cut to one year according to a 2006 amnesty, and, owing to Berlusconi's age, he will be served through house arrest or community service.

Photo: Vladimir Putin, Silvio Berlusconi and Dmitry Medvedev at Krasnaya Polyana Alpine the ski resort in Sochi.

Berlusconi's financial status is estimated at $6.1 billion. The former politician is considered to be one of the richest citizens of Italy.