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Relinquishing undesired presents might be seen as a little discourteous – except if it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Sale

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell an estimated 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries 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.

These items, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They are scheduled to be sold via competitive bidding by a Rome-based art dealer. A date is yet to be set, although the aim is to hold the auction during the holiday season, with the proceeds going to various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Collection

The presents are said to be stored in a secure area on the third floor of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni additionally intending to auction off gifts received by her predecessors that have been stored away for years.

The full gift list remains made public, but partial details were revealed earlier this year when a detailed register of all declared gifts was submitted to lawmakers. The discussion focused on if a statutory cap on gift value was being respected. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300.

A Global Assortment of Presents

Notable gifts feature:

• A silk accessory from the leader of Albania, reportedly 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 fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Paintings from Moldova.
• An assortment including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

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

Diplomatic Backdrop

Meloni has been credited, mainly from her allies, with winning over global statesmen and re-establishing Italy as a key protagonist on the world stage once again.

The forthcoming sale highlights a novel approach to manage the diplomatic artifacts that accumulate during a leader's tenure.