🔗 Share this article

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

A Charitable Auction

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction around 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries while abroad. The eclectic collection is said to contain objects like a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gilded heels.

The presents, together, are worth an estimated €800,000. They are scheduled to be put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Rome-based fine art auction house. The specific date is yet to be set, but the goal is to hold the auction by year's end, with the proceeds benefiting a selection of charitable causes.

Storage Room Holdings

The items are said to be kept in a secure area on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Sources state that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been sitting unused for years.

The detailed catalog remains officially released, but a glimpse was gleaned earlier this year when an 11-page list of items received was reviewed by officials. The discussion focused on whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being respected. Legally, a prime minister must declare presents worth more than €300.

An International Array of Gifts

Notable gifts feature:

• A silk accessory from the leader of Albania, reportedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A customary Indian garment from the Indian leader.
• 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 the Moldovan government.
• Additional objects including makeup, a skateboard, and several rugs from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Maybe the strangest gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," reports suggest.

Diplomatic Context

The prime minister has received praise, particularly from her own political sphere, with winning over foreign leaders and positioning Italy as a key protagonist on the global scene once again.

This unique auction symbolizes a distinct method to handle the state presents that are collected during a time in office.