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Getting rid of unneeded gifts might be considered a little discourteous – except if it's done in the proper manner.

A Charitable Auction

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, will offload an estimated 270 gifts given to her by world leaders while abroad. The diverse haul reportedly features objects like a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

The presents, combined, are worth an estimated €800,000. They are scheduled to be put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Italian auction firm. An exact timeline remains to be announced, although the intention is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the proceeds benefiting various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Collection

These gifts are said to be locked away in a storage room on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni is also planning to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been stored away over a long period.

The detailed catalog remains made public, but some insight emerged earlier this year when a detailed register of official presents was submitted to lawmakers. The query raised whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being followed. Legally, a prime minister must declare presents valued above €300.

A Global Assortment of Gifts

Among the items:

• A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister.
• A box of jewellery from the president of Slovakia.
• A porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• Additional objects including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Maybe the strangest gifts were the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," one might note.

Diplomatic Context

The prime minister has received praise, mainly from within her party, with winning over international counterparts and making Italy as a prominent force on the global scene once again.

This charitable initiative represents a distinct method to manage the state presents that accumulate during a political career.