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FACTBOX-Five facts about Italy's Silvio Berlusconi

Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:00pm EDT

ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Silvio Berlusconi led in exit polls and projected results from Italy's parliamentary election on Monday. Following are five facts about the 71-year-old businessman who has already served as prime minister twice.

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* Born in Milan in September 1936, Berlusconi made his fortune during a property boom in Milan in the 1960s. He then moved into television and his family owns the country's leading private TV network. His interests span Italian soccer club AC Milan, publishing, film and insurance.

* Berlusconi entered politics in January 1994 promoting a "you can be rich like me" message. He was elected prime minister that year but survived for just eight months and then languished for more than six years in opposition.

* Swept to power by a landslide victory in 2001, he promised to revolutionise Italy. But change came slower than many hoped and the economy barely grew during his five years in power.

* Berlusconi, who looks at least 10 years younger than he is thanks to a face lift and hair transplant, denied any failings. He said his government had fulfilled its domestic reform programme and boosted Italy's international standing.

* His continued control of his media empire has led to accusations of a conflict between his political and business interests. He has also been implicated in numerous corruption investigations into him and his companies, but has never been convicted of any crime.



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