🔗 Share this article

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

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell a reported 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries while abroad. The eclectic collection is said to contain gifts including a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels.

The presents, together, are valued at around €800,000. They are scheduled to be sold via competitive bidding by a Italian art dealer. The specific date has not been finalized, although the aim is to conduct the sale during the holiday season, with all funds raised going to non-profit organizations.

Storage Room Collection

These gifts are said to be stored in a secure area on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni furthermore planning to auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been sitting unused indefinitely.

The detailed catalog is yet to be disclosed, but a glimpse were revealed earlier this year when an 11-page list of official presents was submitted to lawmakers. The query focused on whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. By law, a prime minister must declare presents worth more than €300.

A Global Array of Presents

Among the items:

• A woven wrap 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 case of jewelry from the Slovakian president.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Paintings from the Moldovan government.
• Various other items including makeup, a skateboard, and several rugs from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Perhaps the oddest gifts included the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said.

Diplomatic Context

Supporters have applauded Meloni, particularly from her own political sphere, with winning over global statesmen and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This charitable initiative highlights a distinct method to deal with the diplomatic artifacts that are collected during a time in office.