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Getting rid of undesired offerings might be seen as slightly impolite – except if it's done in the proper manner.

A Charitable Clear-Out

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 presents received by her by international figures during her travels. 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 gilded heels.

The collection, collectively, are valued at around €800,000. The plan is to auctioned off in a public auction by a Italian auction firm. An exact timeline has not been finalized, although the aim is to hold the auction during the holiday season, with the proceeds donated to a selection of charitable causes.

Palazzo Chigi Collection

These gifts are currently kept in a repository on the third floor of the prime minister's official office. It has been reported that Meloni is also planning to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been gathering dust over a long period.

The full gift list is yet to be officially released, but some insight were revealed earlier this year when a detailed register of official presents was submitted to lawmakers. The question raised if a legal value limit was being honored. By law, a prime minister cannot take home presents exceeding €300.

A Global Assortment of Presents

The collection includes:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister.
• A set of adornments from the Slovakian president.
• A porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A tablet from the leader of Ukraine.
• Paintings from the Moldovan government.
• Various other items including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Perhaps the strangest gifts were the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," observers have said.

Political Context

Supporters have applauded Meloni, particularly from her allies, with building relationships with global statesmen and re-establishing Italy as a key protagonist on the global scene once again.

This unique auction highlights a distinct method to handle the protocol gifts that accumulate during a political career.