Most politicians have risen to the top of their parties because they are savvy and they have the financial resources to get there. While there is generally a hefty salary included, along with great benefits for their stint in public office, the major share of their income either comes from the family inheritance or through other investments. However, not every billionaire sought the highest office of the land — many of them were content with just winning a seat in the country's parliament. Here’s the list of the world's 10 richest politicians:
1. Michael Bloomberg (Net worth: $56.1 billion) Source of wealth: Bloomberg LP. Michael Bloomberg was the mayor of New York City (2002-13) and ran for the President of the United States in 2020.
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2. Suleiman Kerimov ($9.7 billion) Source of wealth: Investments. Suleiman Kerimov was a member of the Russian State Duma (1999-2007) and is now a member of the Russian Federation Council (2008-present).
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3. Silvio Berlusconi ($7.2 billion) Source of wealth: Media. Silvio Berlusconi was the Prime Minister of Italy (1994-95, 2001-06, 2008-11); Member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies (1994-2013); Senator of Italy (2013); Member of the European Parliament (2019-present).
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4. Terry Gou ($7.1 billion) Source of wealth: Electronics. Terry Gou ran for the President of Taiwan in 2019 but lost in the Kuomintang primary.
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5. Manuel Villar ($6.7 billion) Source of wealth: Real estate. Manuel Villar was the senator of the Philippines (2001-13); Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives (1998-2000); Member of the Philippine House of Representatives (1992-2001). He also ran for the President of the Philippines in 2010 but lost in the general election.
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6. Savitri Jindal (6.5 billion) Source of wealth: steel. Savitri Jindal was a Member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, India (2005-14)
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7. Olivier Dassault ($6.3 billion) Source of wealth: Diversified. Olivier Dassault is a Member of the French National Assembly (2002-present).
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8. Magdalena Martullo-Blocher ($5.3 billion) Source of wealth: Chemicals. Magdalena Martullo-Blocher is a Member of the Swiss National Council (2015-present).
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9. Andrei Skoch ($5.1 billion) Source of wealth: Steel. Andrei Skoch is a Member of the Russian State Duma (1999-present).
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10. Bidzina Ivanishvili ($4.9 billion) Source of wealth: Investments. Bidzina Ivanishvili was the Prime Minister of Georgia (2012-13).
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