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Passing on unwanted offerings might be seen as a little discourteous – unless it's done in the proper manner.

A Philanthropic Auction

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 gifts given to her by international figures on official trips. The eclectic collection reportedly features items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

The collection, together, are valued at around €800,000. They will be sold via competitive bidding by a Rome-based fine art auction house. A date remains to be announced, although the intention is to conduct the sale during the holiday season, with the proceeds going to a selection of charitable causes.

Palazzo Chigi Holdings

The presents are currently stored in a repository on the upper level of the government headquarters. It has been reported that Meloni furthermore considering auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been sitting unused over a long period.

The full gift list remains officially released, but partial details emerged 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 followed. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300.

A Global Array of Gifts

Notable gifts feature:

• A silk accessory from the Albanian prime minister, reportedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A traditional Kerala dress from India's prime minister.
• A set of adornments from the president of Slovakia.
• A porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine.
• Watercolour paintings from the Moldovan government.
• Various other items including cosmetics, a board, and several rugs from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Maybe the most unusual gifts included the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," observers have said.

Political Context

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mainly from her allies, with winning over international counterparts and positioning Italy as a key protagonist on the world stage once again.

The forthcoming sale highlights a distinct method to handle the protocol gifts that accumulate during a time in office.