🔗 Share this article Ceramic Gift, Any Takers? Italy's PM to Auction Off International Gifts for Charity Passing on unwanted offerings could be seen as somewhat rude – except if it's done for a noble purpose. A Philanthropic Clear-Out The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell an estimated 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries on official trips. This unusual assortment reportedly features objects like a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels. These items, together, are worth an estimated €800,000. The plan is to put up for sale in a public auction by a Italian fine art auction house. A date has not been finalized, although the aim is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the proceeds donated to various charities. Palazzo Chigi Holdings The presents are currently kept in a secure area on the upper level of Palazzo Chigi. It has been reported that Meloni additionally planning to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been sitting unused for years. The detailed catalog is yet to be officially released, but partial details was gleaned earlier this year when an 11-page list of items received was reviewed by officials. The discussion focused on whether a statutory cap on gift value was being honored. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300. An International Array of Presents Notable gifts feature: A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad. A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister. A box of jewellery from the Slovakian president. A porcelain tea set and six bottles of wine from the Hungarian prime minister. A pottery dish from the ex-American leader. A tablet from the leader of Ukraine. Paintings from the Moldovan government. An assortment including cosmetics, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries. "Possibly the most unusual gifts were the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," one might note. Diplomatic Backdrop The prime minister has received praise, mainly from her own political sphere, with garnering support from global statesmen and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again. This unique auction symbolizes a distinct method to handle the diplomatic artifacts that build up during a leader's tenure.