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Getting rid of unneeded gifts could be considered somewhat rude – unless it's done the right way.

A Charitable Auction

Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, will offload an estimated 270 items bestowed upon her by world leaders during her travels. The eclectic collection could include items such as a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gilded heels.

The collection, collectively, have an approximate value of €800,000. They are scheduled to be sold to the highest bidder by a Rome-based fine art auction house. An exact timeline is yet to be set, although the goal is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the revenue donated to various charities.

Storage Room Holdings

The presents are said to be locked away in a secure area on the third floor of the government headquarters. It has been reported that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts received by her predecessors that have been gathering dust over a long period.

The detailed catalog remains officially released, but partial details emerged earlier this year when a detailed register of items received was reviewed by officials. The question focused on if a legal value limit was being followed. By law, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300.

An International Assortment of Gifts

Among the items:

• A woven wrap from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly 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 porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the former US president.
• A digital device from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• An assortment including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

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

Political Context

The prime minister has received praise, particularly from her allies, with garnering support from international counterparts and re-establishing Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

This charitable initiative represents a unconventional way to deal with the state presents that build up during a political career.