🔗 Share this article

Relinquishing unwanted presents could be considered a little discourteous – unless it's done in the proper manner.

A Charitable Clear-Out

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, will offload around 270 gifts given to her by world leaders on official trips. This unusual assortment reportedly features items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gilded heels.

The collection, together, are valued at around €800,000. They are scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Rome-based art dealer. The specific date remains to be announced, although the intention is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the proceeds benefiting a selection of charitable causes.

Storage Room Collection

The presents are currently stored in a repository on the upper level of Palazzo Chigi. It has been reported that Meloni is also intending to auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been gathering dust over a long period.

The detailed catalog has not yet been officially released, but partial details was gleaned earlier this year when an 11-page list of official presents was reviewed by officials. The query raised if a legal value limit was being followed. Legally, a prime minister must declare presents exceeding €300.

An International Array of Presents

The collection includes:

• A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister.
• A case of jewelry from the president of Slovakia.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A ceramic bowl from the former US president.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Paintings from Moldova.
• An assortment including cosmetics, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Maybe the strangest gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," observers have said.

Political Context

Meloni has been credited, particularly from her allies, with winning over international counterparts and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This unique auction represents a distinct method to manage the state presents that build up during a political career.