Italy’s Supreme Court has upheld a two-year ban from public office for former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

The 77-year-old billionaire had been attempting to overturn a conviction for tax fraud handed down by a Milan court in October.

The latest ruling all but ends Berlusconi’s plans of returning to the political stage anytime soon. He had hoped to run as a candidate in elections for the European Parliament in May.

In addition to the latest ban from public office, Berlusconi is also appealing sentences for tax evasion and paying for sex with an underaged prostitute. He denies all wrong-doing claiming he is the victim of politically motivated prosecutors and judges.