Silvo Berlusconi: From Crooner To Prime Minister (Pictures)

PICTURES: Berlusconi's Changing Faces: Bunga Bungle, Ballads And Bribery
|

Silvio Berlusconi: the politician, property and media tycoon who allegedly brought 'bunga bunga' to Britain's shores, has also been one of Italy's longest serving prime ministers.

The singing, swinging leader has bungled and bluffed his way through many state events, even irritating the ever-patient Queen who bristled at a G20 summit "What is it? Why does he have to shout?"

In recent years he remained uncowed during criticism and alleged sex scandals. Perhaps it was old hat for Italy's third richest man, having faced criminal allegations for mafia collusion, fraud and bribery previously during his years in office.

Having survived 51 confidence votes in Italian parliament, Berlusconi even managed to parody Basil Fawlty, after insinuating that Martin Schultz, a German MEP, should play a Nazi concentration camp guard.

Huffington Post UK traces his years in the spotlight, from on-the-pitch shots (Berlusconi owns football team AC Milian) to white-bandana nights with Tony Blair.