🔗 Share this article

Relinquishing unwanted presents could be considered a little discourteous – unless it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Auction

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, will offload an estimated 270 items bestowed upon her by international figures on official trips. The diverse haul 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 gold heels.

The presents, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They will 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 conduct the sale before Christmas, with the revenue donated to non-profit organizations.

Palazzo Chigi Treasures

These gifts reportedly locked away in a secure area on the upper level of Palazzo Chigi. It has been reported that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been stored away indefinitely.

A complete inventory has not yet been disclosed, but partial details were revealed earlier this year when a detailed register of items received was submitted to lawmakers. The discussion focused on if a rule restricting expensive presents was being followed. By law, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300.

An International Array of Presents

Notable gifts feature:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A sari from Kerala from India's prime minister.
• A case of jewelry from the president of Slovakia.
• A fine china tea service and six bottles of wine from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A tablet from the Ukrainian president.
• Artworks from the Moldovan government.
• Various other items including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Perhaps the most unusual gifts were the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," one might note.

Political Context

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mostly from within her party, with winning over foreign leaders and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

The forthcoming sale symbolizes a distinct method to handle the protocol gifts that are collected during a time in office.