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Passing on unneeded gifts might be considered somewhat rude – unless it's done the right way.

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 presents received by her by world leaders during her travels. This unusual assortment could include items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gold heels.

These items, collectively, are worth an estimated €800,000. They will be put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Rome-based auction firm. A date has not been finalized, although the intention is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the proceeds donated to non-profit organizations.

Palazzo Chigi Treasures

These gifts reportedly kept in a storage room on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni additionally planning to auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been stored away over a long period.

The full gift list has not yet been disclosed, but a glimpse were revealed earlier this year when a detailed register of official presents was presented in parliament. The query centered on whether a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. By law, a prime minister cannot take home presents worth more than €300.

A Global Assortment of Gifts

Among the items:

• A silk accessory from the Albanian prime minister, 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 Slovakian president.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A ceramic bowl from the ex-American leader.
• A electronic pad from the Ukrainian president.
• Paintings from the Moldovan government.
• Additional objects including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Perhaps the most unusual gifts were the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," reports suggest.

Diplomatic Context

Meloni has been credited, particularly from her own political sphere, with winning over international counterparts and re-establishing Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This unique auction symbolizes a novel approach to deal with the protocol gifts that accumulate during a political career.