🔗 Share this article

Relinquishing unwanted presents might be seen as slightly impolite – except if it's done in the proper manner.

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 presents received by her by international figures while abroad. The eclectic collection reportedly features items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

These items, together, are worth an estimated €800,000. They will be sold in a public auction by a Rome-based art dealer. The specific date remains to be announced, although the intention is to hold the auction during the holiday season, with the proceeds donated to non-profit organizations.

Palazzo Chigi Collection

The items reportedly kept in a repository on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni furthermore intending to auction off gifts received by her political forerunners that have been gathering dust indefinitely.

A complete inventory has not yet been made public, but partial details were revealed earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was reviewed by officials. The discussion focused on whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. By law, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300.

An International Array of Gifts

Among the items:

• A scarf from the leader of Albania, reportedly presented 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 the Hungarian prime minister.
• A ceramic bowl from the former US president.
• A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from the Moldovan government.
• An assortment including cosmetics, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Possibly the strangest gifts included the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," one might note.

Political Backdrop

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mainly from her allies, with building relationships with global statesmen and positioning Italy as a key protagonist on the international platform once again.

This charitable initiative highlights a novel approach to manage the diplomatic artifacts that are collected during a leader's tenure.