1 of 8
The self-made businessman turned politician is voted in again as Italian prime minister in May 2001.

2 of 8
But his outspokenness also sparks controversy. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Mr Berlusconi suggests Western civilisation is superior to Islam.

3 of 8
And he must defend himself in court. In June 2003, his government passes an immunity law to protect him from standing trial in a corruption case, but the law is overturned.

4 of 8
He presides over Italy's EU presidency in 2003, when he compares a German MEP to a Nazi concentration camp guard.

5 of 8
Also in 2003, Mr Berlusconi suffers domestically for his support for the US over Iraq.

6 of 8
But he emerges fresh for the job in January 2004, after cosmetic surgery.

7 of 8
Mr Berlusconi continues to rally the troops with a visit to Italian soldiers in Nasiriya, Iraq, in April.

8 of 8
And he can afford to smile as his party Forza Italia marks 10 years since its first victory in 1994.