In Italy, the title of the first lady was immediately shared by two women: the wife of President Clio Napolitano and the wife of Prime Minister Veronica Berlusconi. Moreover, there is much more talk around the second person.
Young years - time to conquer
Veronica Lario (Miriam Raffaella Bartolini) was born in July 1956 in the city of Bologna, in northern Italy. 23-year-old Miriam managed to win the heart of Silvio Berlusconi, a famous business tycoon, when she, as a low-budget artist, performed on the stage of the theater in a nude.
First lady of the country
Veronica Lario in her youth, being a burning blonde with a perfect figure, conquered more than one male heart. However, the young beauty reciprocated on Silvio's proposal to be together. Their tumultuous romance lasted 5 years and led to the birth of a daughter, who was named Barbara. Berlusconi had to divorce his first wife and offer Miriam's hand and heart. Having become the legal wife of a successful businessman, she had to leave the scene. But the stage name - Veronica Lario - the former artist decided to leave. A year after the birth of Barbara, Eleanor is born - their second daughter, and a couple of years later - the son of Luigi.
Pride, independence, ambitiousness ...
Veronica is considered the most unpredictable woman in Italy. As it turned out, the status of the first lady of the state did not appeal to her at all. With special zeal, she defends the right to privacy. Veronica rarely attends official events, accompanying her spouse. Therefore, the Italian media very quickly spread the sensational news that she was present at the government residence at a dinner with the Putin couple. No other world leader has ever received such an honor.
Veronika demonstrated absolute independence from the opinion of the imperious spouse in 2005. Then the question of the use of human embryos for scientific purposes was very acute. On this occasion, a referendum was held. The Prime Minister did not dare to go against the opinion of the Vatican and chose not to express his position. However, his wife openly participated in the vote. Veronica Lario, whose photo and intriguing interview was published in the Repubblica newspaper, shocked all Orthodox Catholics. In it, the first lady admitted that she had an abortion in her youth and considers the use of human embryos for scientific purposes to be real progress. This is a very bold statement, given the fact that some Italian doctors still categorically refuse to have abortions for religious reasons. By the way, the political views of spouses differ on many issues. Veronica clearly sympathizes with the left, publicly expressing her opinion, directly opposite to the opinion of her husband.
From love to jealousy, one step
The second marriage of the Italian Prime Minister is hardly ideal. Spouses rarely see each other. Veronica often complains that her husband, even at the festive table, doesn’t take his phone out of his hands. In addition, from time to time she has a reason for jealousy. One of these incidents ended with the public repentance of Silvio Berlusconi through one of the most influential Italian newspapers. In it, the prime minister calls the spouse a beautiful woman, apologizes, humming his pride, and swears eternal love. It should be noted that this step, in the opinion of the public, damaged the politician’s reputation.
Repeatedly, the couple of Berlusconi had to refute rumors of divorce. Most likely, the talk about their disagreement was due to the fact that Veronica lives separately from her spouse in the small town of Macerio near Milan.
Interest in this pair has not waned over the years. Their behavior, interests, tastes and preferences are discussed in the press, in political circles and in the families of ordinary Italians. Probably, an autobiographical book written by Veronica Berlusconi several years ago will be in demand among readers.