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Relinquishing unwanted presents might be seen as a little discourteous – except if it's done in the proper manner.

A Charitable Auction

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction around 270 gifts given to her by foreign dignitaries on official trips. 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 gold heels.

These items, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They will be sold via competitive bidding by a Italian auction firm. An exact timeline remains to be announced, although the goal is to hold the auction during the holiday season, with the proceeds benefiting various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Treasures

The items are said to be stored in a repository on the third floor of the government headquarters. Reports indicate that Meloni additionally planning to auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been stored away for years.

A complete inventory remains made public, but a glimpse was gleaned earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was presented in parliament. The query centered on whether a legal value limit was being followed. By law, a prime minister cannot take home presents exceeding €300.

An International Assortment of Gifts

The collection includes:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, reportedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A sari from Kerala from India's prime minister.
• A set of adornments from the Slovakian president.
• A porcelain tea set and six bottles of wine from Hungary's leader.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A digital device from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• Additional objects including makeup, a board, and several rugs from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Maybe the most unusual gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," one might note.

Diplomatic Context

Meloni has been credited, mainly from her allies, with garnering support from international counterparts and making Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This unique auction highlights a unconventional way to deal with the state presents that accumulate during a political career.