Thaindian News

London, Aug 16 (ANI): Fresh family feuds have marred Silvio Berlusconi’s apparent attempts to reconnect with his family.

Following sex scandals that tarnished the Italian leader’s reputation, the 72-year-old, who is currently on a relaxing holiday at his luxury Villa Certosa on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast with family, is trying to resurrect his clan, reports The Times.

It was last week that the tycoon started his summer break with a family reunion at his pad to celebrate the 43rd birthday of Marina, his daughter by his first marriage.

Guests included Jose Maria Aznar, the former Spanish prime minister, bankers and neighbours. Marina had threatened to stay away due to the earlier arrival of stepsister Barbara, 24, with her two sons.

However, the holiday suffered a setback when two of his daughters squabbled over control of Berlusconi’s publishing empire.

Barbara had just staked a blatant claim to Mondadori, Italy’s largest publishing house. Mondadori is part of Berlusconi’s business empire and is run by Marina.

Barbara told the Italian edition of Vanity Fair: “I’m fascinated by publishing. My father has always thought that, when I become capable of it, I would take care of Mondadori.”

She further infuriated her dad by saying: “I don’t think a politician can allow himself to make a difference between his private and public life.”

Berlusconi, however, managed to salvage the birthday by persuading Marina to attend.

Former actress Veronica Lario, who is seeking a divorce from Berlusconi after criticising his flirtations with showgirls and his presence at the 18th birthday party of Noemi Letizia, a lingerie model from Naples, is reportedly determined to ensure his five children by his two marriages should each receive a 20 percent share of his fortune, which is worth an estimated 7 billion pounds. (ANI)