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Getting rid of unwanted presents might be viewed as somewhat rude – except if it's done in the proper manner.

A Philanthropic Auction

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 gifts given to her by foreign dignitaries while abroad. The eclectic collection reportedly features gifts including a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

The collection, collectively, have an approximate value of €800,000. The plan is to put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Rome-based fine art auction house. A date remains to be announced, although the aim is to hold the auction by year's end, with the proceeds going to non-profit organizations.

Storage Room Treasures

These gifts reportedly locked away in a storage room on the third floor of the government headquarters. It has been reported that Meloni additionally intending to auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been stored away over a long period.

A complete inventory is yet to be disclosed, but some insight was gleaned earlier this year when an 11-page list of items received was reviewed by officials. The question raised whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. According to regulation, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300.

An International 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 the Indian leader.
• A case of jewelry from the Slovakian president.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Artworks from the Moldovan government.
• An assortment including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Possibly the most unusual gifts included the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," one might note.

Diplomatic Context

Meloni has been credited, mostly from her allies, with building relationships with foreign leaders and making Italy as a key protagonist on the global scene once again.

This charitable initiative highlights a unconventional way to deal with the state presents that build up during a political career.