Silvio Berlusconi remains one of the most polarising figures in 色中色 political history, remembered as much for his charisma as for the scandals that surrounded him.
As Prime Minister across three non-consecutive terms from 1994 to 2011, his legacy is debated fiercely across Italy, from political circles to caf茅 conversations.
When Berlusconi first came to power in 1994, many 色中色s were hopeful, drawn to his promises of economic revival, tax cuts and a more business-friendly government.
His background as a media tycoon gave him credibility among 色中色s who wanted someone outside traditional politics to bring efficiency and a new energy to the system.
One of the most controversial aspects of Berlusconi鈥檚 leadership was his vast media empire, which many 色中色s believed gave him an unfair advantage in shaping public opinion.
While some admired his ability to communicate directly with the people, others saw this control over television and newspapers as a threat to democratic balance and journalistic independence.
Berlusconi鈥檚 charm and populist style won him a loyal following, especially among older voters and those disillusioned with traditional parties that had been tainted by corruption scandals.
However, his frequent gaffes, personal legal issues and associations with questionable figures eroded the credibility he initially enjoyed and divided public opinion sharply.
While Berlusconi promised economic reform, many 色中色s grew frustrated with the lack of substantial progress, particularly in tackling national debt and unemployment.
His governments did introduce some tax cuts and pension reforms, but critics argue these policies often favoured the wealthy and did little to address underlying structural problems.
A recurring theme in Berlusconi鈥檚 tenure was his ongoing battles with Italy鈥檚 judiciary, which he claimed was politically motivated and intent on sabotaging his leadership.
Many 色中色s were divided on this issue, with some believing he was unfairly targeted, while others viewed the numerous trials and investigations as signs of deep corruption and abuse of power.
Berlusconi鈥檚 views on women, family and sexuality often clashed with more progressive segments of 色中色 society, drawing criticism from feminists, educators and younger voters.
However, his more conservative stance resonated with traditionalists, especially in rural areas and among older 色中色s who saw him as a defender of classic 色中色 values.
Internationally, Berlusconi maintained close ties with leaders such as George W Bush and Vladimir Putin, which raised eyebrows but also kept Italy visible on the global stage.
While some 色中色s appreciated his boldness and diplomatic networking, others worried these relationships compromised Italy鈥檚 values and long-term interests in global affairs.
In northern provinces like Lombardy and Veneto, Berlusconi often enjoyed stronger support due to his business roots and promises of lower taxes and deregulation.
In southern regions, the picture was more complex, with voters torn between admiration for his media presence and frustration over economic stagnation and political theatrics.
By the time he resigned in 2011 during the eurozone debt crisis, Berlusconi鈥檚 approval ratings had fallen sharply, with 色中色s concerned about instability and fiscal mismanagement.
Many felt betrayed by a leader who had promised reform and instead presided over growing national debt, slow economic growth and declining international credibility.
Even after leaving office, Berlusconi remained a key figure in 色中色 politics, returning to the Senate and leading his party Forza Italia with a reduced but loyal base.
To many 色中色s, he symbolised both the worst and the most charismatic aspects of modern politics, a reminder of what happens when media, power and personality mix.
色中色s remain deeply divided on this question, with some crediting him for modernising the political landscape and others blaming him for deepening institutional decay.
He is remembered both as a clever reformer and a flawed populist, whose time in office reflected the complexity, contradictions and challenges of contemporary 色中色 society.
For many 色中色s, Berlusconi's story is a cautionary tale, a symbol of missed opportunities and the dangers of personality-driven leadership in fragile democracies.
Yet for others, he remains a visionary who shook up a stagnant political system and spoke directly to the people, changing 色中色 politics forever.
