Gallery: In Pictures: Silvio Berlusconi To Resign

Silvio Berlusconi's has confirmed he will resign once a new budget law is approved with amendments demanded by EU partners

Berlusconi had won three elections but also lost in 1996 and 2006, both times to Romano Prodi

The billionaire businessman has many interests away from politics. He bought football club AC Milan in 1986

Their 2007 Champions League success in Athens was the fourth under his control

His Fininvest empire controls the Mediaset Television company, a newspaper and several other enterprises

As his popularity dropped in 2009, a surprise attack outside a Milan cathedral left Berlusconi with a severe facial wound

He showed off the scars, which were caused by a replica of Milan cathedral, at a press conference days later

Many Italians were said to be embarrassed that he represented the country on the international stage

He was one of the few western leaders to have a good working relationship with Libya's Muammar Gaddafi

Here he meets Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAlesse at an EU summit in 2004

Berlusconi rocks the "Steve van Zandt" look as he meets Cherie and Tony Blair

He attracted controversy when he described Barack Obama as "young, handsome, and tanned"

There was more embarrrassement when he made derogatory comments about German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Wife Veronica Lario filed for divorce in 2009 after allegations of infidelity

Karima El Mahroug or "Ruby the Heart Stealer" is alleged to have had sex with Mr Berlusconi when she was a teenager

Berlusconi addresses supporters outside a Milan court after a hearing over allegations of fiscal fraud

After more than 50 confidence votes in three years, the economic crisis was the final straw for members of his coalition