For Mr Berlusconi is the head of a vast business empire spanning newspapers, TV and radio, film, football, advertising, insurance, food and construction.
For some Italians, Mr Berlusconi's success as a business tycoon is evidence of his capabilities - a reason why he should run the country.
But his business involvements have caused a series of legal problems which have tarnished his image.
He faces charges of bribing judges, in a trial in Milan. This was halted in June by the introduction of controversial immunity laws, but is now expected to resume after Italy's top court annulled the law.