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The world of politics is dominated by money, we all know that. Obtaining wealth and political power has been a common theme since the introduction of a ruling system.
Some of the people you will see on this list rose to their influential positions in the political spectrum by inheriting their wealth and position titles. Others have obtained their wealth and subsequent power in politics by building successful businesses. Either way, you look at it, they all have had a hand in shaping the world we live in today.
So, who are the top ten richest politicians in the world?
10. Bidzina Ivanishvili – Net Worth: $4.5 billion
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Bidzina Ivanishvili is the former Prime Minister of Georgia. His reign as the PM was short only lasting from October 2012 to November 2013. He currently serves as a chairperson for the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party which he founded. Many believe Ivanishvili controls and calls the shots of the Dream Party even though he left his official political post in 2013. Ivanishvili achieved his wealth from metals and banking, with much of his business dealings taking place in Russia.
9. Silvio Berlusconi – Net Worth: $7.8 billion
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Silvio Berlusconi is often praised for building his substantial net worth through his own hard work and dedication. He began his career in construction and eventually became a billionaire media tycoon. Berlusconi has been the head of the center-right coalition for more than 20 years. Forbes named him the 12th most powerful person due to his role in Italian Politics. He served as the Prime Minister for a total of nine years. Berlusconi also owned the Italian football club A.C. Milan from 1986-2017.
8. Serge Dassault – Net Worth: $8 billion
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Serge Dassault inherited his father’s company Dassault Group and became the Chairman and CEO. He is a member of the Union for a Popular Movement party, which is considered a conservative political party. The French politician served as the mayor of a southern suburb of Paris and a senator. He advocated strongly against France’s taxes and workplace regulations.
7. Mikhail Prokhorov – Net Worth: $8.9 billion
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Mikhail Prokhorov is a billionaire from Russia. He also owns the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA. Prokhorov achieved much of his wealth from the lucrative precious metals sector in Russia. During his career, he ran the largest producer of nickel and palladium company and ran the Russian company who is the largest producer of gold. In 2011, Prokhorov was elected to the leadership of the Right Cause Party Congress. He has been a consistent critic of Vladamir Putin during his time in the political spectrum. Prokhorov came in third during the 2012 presidential election.
6. Zong Qinghou – Net Worth: $10.9 billion
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Zong Qinghou is a delegate to the Chinese National People’s Congress. He is also the Chairman and CEO of the leading beverage company in China, Hangzhou Wahaha Group. Qinghou often advocates for the development of the country’s natural resources that benefit China. He has been awarded many honorary titles, National Excellent Entrepreneur, National Excellent Manager, Model of Patriotism to Support the Armed Forces, Outstanding Builder of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, The First Chinese Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship Prize.
5. Savitri Jindal – Net Worth: $13.2 billion
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The only women on this list hails from India. Savitri Jindal is Chairperson Emeritus, Jindal Steel & Power Limited, which she took control of after he husbands death in 2005. Jindal is a member of the INC political party. She was appointed as the cabinet minister in the Haryana Government in October 2013.
4. Vladimir Putin – Net Worth: 18.4 billion
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Vladimir Putin is the current President of the Russian Federation. He has racked up over two decades of political dominance in Russia. Putin has held the role of the Prime Minister and President of Russia. He served in the Russian intelligence agency KGB for 16 years before beginning his political career. Much of Putin’s personal wealth is shrouded in secrecy, but it is believed he has an ownership stake in many successful Russian businesses. He lives a lavish lifestyle with many palaces, yachts, planes, and helicopters.
3. Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan – Net Worth: $19 billion
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Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the current president of United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force. He rose to power following the rule of his father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He is also the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages more than $875 billion in assets. His family is believed to hold a net worth of $150 billion.
2. Hassanal Bolkiah – Net Worth: $20 billion
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Hassanal Bolkiah is the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei he also holds the title of the Prime Minister of Brunei. He has served as the Sultan of Brunei since 1967. He has been ranked on Forbes richest people list many times and even held the top spot until Bill Gates surpassed him in the 1990’s. Bolkiah’s wealth comes from natural oil and gas resources.
1. Michael Bloomberg – Net Worth: 47.5 billion
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Michael Bloomberg is an American politician and is the only American on the list. He won three consecutive terms as the mayor of New York City. He first entered politics as a Democrat but then switched his affiliation to Republican and then switching back to Democrat. Bloomberg has often flirted with the idea of running for president of the United States but has never pulled the trigger. He began his career in securities brokerage before founding is wildly successful company Bloomberg L.P., which is a global financial service, mass media, and software company.
