Silvio Berlusconi steps down as PM over sex scandal in 2011

Italy's longest-serving post-war premier and popular Italian playboy Silvio Berlusconi ruled the newsprint and other media channels for most part of 2011. With the news of his sexual pursuits being highlighted rather than his governance, this was the most notable downfall of a world leader in 2011.

He quit his position as Italian PM in 2011 over charges ranging from sex with an underage prostitute to abuse of office. The looming Euro crisis also accelerated his decision to resign for the post. [Read: