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Getting rid of unneeded presents can be considered somewhat rude – except if it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 gifts given to her by international figures during her travels. The diverse haul is said to contain items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels.

The presents, collectively, have an approximate value of €800,000. They are scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Italian fine art auction house. The specific date has not been finalized, but the intention is to conduct the sale during the holiday season, with the proceeds going to non-profit organizations.

Palazzo Chigi Holdings

These gifts reportedly stored in a storage room on the upper level of the government headquarters. Reports indicate that Meloni additionally intending to auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been sitting unused indefinitely.

The detailed catalog has not yet been officially released, but some insight was gleaned earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was reviewed by officials. The question raised if a legal value limit was being honored. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300.

An International Assortment of Presents

Among the items:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, reportedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A sari from Kerala from the Indian leader.
• 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 ceramic bowl from the former US president.
• A tablet from the leader of Ukraine.
• Paintings from the Moldovan government.
• Additional objects including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

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

Political Backdrop

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mainly from her allies, with building relationships with international counterparts and positioning Italy as a significant player on the international platform once again.

The forthcoming sale symbolizes a unconventional way to handle the protocol gifts that are collected during a leader's tenure.