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Getting rid of undesired presents can be viewed as slightly impolite – except if it's done the right way.

A Philanthropic Sale

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 presents received by her by world leaders on official trips. The eclectic collection could include objects like a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

These items, combined, are valued at around €800,000. They are scheduled to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Rome-based auction firm. The specific date has not been finalized, although the aim is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the revenue going to various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Treasures

The items are currently kept in a secure area on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni is also planning to auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been gathering dust for years.

The detailed catalog has not yet been disclosed, but a glimpse were revealed earlier this year when an 11-page list of items received was submitted to lawmakers. The query raised whether a statutory cap on gift value was being respected. By law, a prime minister must declare presents worth more than €300.

An International Assortment of Presents

Notable gifts feature:

• A woven wrap 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 set of adornments from the president of Slovakia.
• A porcelain tea set and six bottles of wine from Hungary's leader.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• Additional objects including cosmetics, a skateboard, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

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

Political Backdrop

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mostly from her own political sphere, with winning over international counterparts and re-establishing Italy as a significant player on the global scene once again.

This unique auction represents a distinct method to manage the diplomatic artifacts that build up during a political career.