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Getting rid of unwanted presents could be viewed as a little discourteous – except if it's done the right way.

A Charitable Clear-Out

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 gifts given to her by world leaders during her travels. The eclectic collection could include objects like a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

The presents, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. The plan is to put up for sale to the highest bidder by a Italian art dealer. The specific date has not been finalized, but the aim is to hold the auction before Christmas, with all funds raised going to non-profit organizations.

Storage Room Collection

The items are currently stored in a secure area on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Sources state that Meloni additionally considering auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been sitting unused for years.

A complete inventory is yet to be disclosed, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was submitted to lawmakers. The question focused on if a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. By law, a prime minister must declare presents exceeding €300.

A Global Assortment of Gifts

The collection includes:

• A woven wrap from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A sari from Kerala from India's prime minister.
• A box of jewellery from the Slovakian president.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A tablet from the Ukrainian president.
• Paintings from the Moldovan government.
• An assortment including cosmetics, a skateboard, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

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

Diplomatic Context

Meloni has been credited, mostly from her allies, with building relationships with foreign leaders and making Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This charitable initiative represents a distinct method to deal with the protocol gifts that build up during a political career.