Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi leaves Rs 900 crore to 33-year-old girlfriend in his will
Age may be a number, but sometimes numbers hold great significance.
In a testament to the extraordinary nature of love and wealth, the recently deceased Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, left an astonishing sum of 100 million Euros (over INR 900 crore) to his 33-year-old girlfriend, Marta Fascina, as reported by The Guardian.
This surprising provision in Berlusconi's will underscores his deep affection for Fascina.
Before you gasp, it's worth noting that the three-time Italian prime minister's vast empire is estimated to be worth over 6 billion Euros (INR 5 lakh 42 crore), adding another layer of intrigue to this tale of money and romance.
An unconventional and priceless connection
In the case of Silvio Berlusconi and Marta Fascina, they were not even legally married. Yet their unique bond became apparent when Berlusconi affectionately referred to Marta as his "wife" on his deathbed.
Marta Fascina, a Forza Italia deputy, entered into a relationship with Berlusconi in March 2020. She has been an active member of the Italian Parliament's lower chamber since the 2018 general election. Marta is a member of Forza Italia, the political party that Silvio Berlusconi himself founded in 1994.
Fortunate heirs
Berlusconi's extensive business empire, estimated to be worth over 6 billion Euros (INR 5 lakh 42 crore), will be overseen by his two eldest children, Marina and Pier Silvio.
Already holding executive roles within the business, they will possess a 53 per cent stake in the Fininvest family holding.
In his will, Berlusconi allocated 100 million Euros to his brother, Paolo, and 30 million Euros (INR 271 crore) to Marcello Dell'Utri, a former senator from his Forza Italia party who had served prison time due to association with the mafia.
A life of legal battles, sex parties and political bans
Silvio Berlusconi lived a life full of legal challenges and captivating moments.
The influential and charismatic personality passed away at the age of 86 on June 12. Prior to his death, he had been admitted to a hospital in Milan for scheduled tests related to his leukemia. The reading of his will took place on Tuesday in the presence of his five children and other witnesses.
In his will, he wrote: "I leave the available stock in equal parts to my children Marina and Pier Silvio. I leave all the rest in equal parts to my five children Marina, Pier Silvio, Barbara, Eleonora, and Luigi."
Berlusconi's political journey included a ban from politics following a tax fraud conviction. Despite his health struggles, he continued to actively participate in politics as a senator and partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government. He also faced legal battles concerning the infamous "Bunga Bunga" sex parties, which involved young girls, including underage escorts.
Throughout it all, Berlusconi took great pride in his appearance, always impeccably dressed.
He faced further challenges when he contracted Covid-19 in September 2020, leading to an 11-day hospitalization, an experience he described as one of the most difficult ordeals of his life. In April 2023, he was admitted to intensive care due to leukemia and a lung infection.
Silvio Berlusconi's legacy will forever be intertwined with a mix of political achievements, scandals, and an unexpected love story that captivated the world.
As his story comes to an end, Italy bids farewell to one of its most fascinating and controversial figures.