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Passing on unneeded gifts could be seen as a little discourteous – unless it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 presents received by her by international figures during her travels. The eclectic collection could include objects like a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels.

These items, collectively, are worth an estimated €800,000. They are scheduled to be put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Rome-based auction firm. The specific date remains to be announced, although the intention is to hold the auction by year's end, with the proceeds benefiting non-profit organizations.

Palazzo Chigi Holdings

These gifts are currently locked away in a repository on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni additionally intending to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been stored away for years.

The full gift list remains made public, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when an 11-page list of official presents was submitted to lawmakers. The discussion raised if a legal value limit was being followed. According to regulation, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300.

A Global Assortment of Gifts

Notable gifts feature:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, allegedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A traditional Kerala dress from India's prime minister.
• A box of jewellery from the president of Slovakia.
• A porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
• A ceramic bowl from the ex-American leader.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Artworks from the Moldovan government.
• Additional objects including cosmetics, a board, and several rugs from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Perhaps the most unusual gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," observers have said.

Political Context

The prime minister has received praise, mostly from within her party, with garnering support from global statesmen and making Italy as a key protagonist on the global scene once again.

The forthcoming sale represents a novel approach to manage the protocol gifts that build up during a time in office.