Italian senators have voted to expel former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi from parliament with immediate effect over his conviction for tax fraud.
Mr Berlusconi, who has dominated politics for 20 years, could now face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution, the BBC reports.
The 77-year-old former prime minister told supporters in Rome it was a "day of mourning" for democracy.
Before the vote, Mr Berlusconi vowed to remain in politics to lead his Forza Italia in a "fight for the good of Italy".
In August, Italy's highest court upheld Mr Berlusconi's conviction for tax fraud over deals his firm Mediaset made to purchase television rights to US films. He will have to serve a one-year sentence, probably under house arrest or by doing community service because of his age.
He has also been convicted of paying for sex with an underage prostitute and of a breach of confidentiality over a police wiretap. He is appealing against both convictions.
The debate in the Senate had been heated, with two rival senators nearly coming to blows.
No formal vote was held, but senators rejected a series of challenges from Mr Berlusconi's supporters. The Senate speaker then declared the three-time prime minister ineligible for a seat.