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Passing on unwanted offerings could be seen as slightly impolite – unless it's done for a noble purpose.

A Charitable Clear-Out

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, will offload around 270 items bestowed upon her by international figures during her travels. The eclectic collection reportedly features objects like a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gold heels.

The collection, collectively, are valued at around €800,000. They will be sold via competitive bidding by a Rome-based auction firm. An exact timeline remains to be announced, although the aim is to hold the auction by year's end, with all funds raised donated to non-profit organizations.

Storage Room Treasures

These gifts reportedly kept in a storage room on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni is also planning to auction off gifts received by her preceding prime ministers that have been gathering dust for years.

The full gift list is yet to be disclosed, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when a detailed register of official presents was presented in parliament. The query centered on if a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. According to regulation, a prime minister must declare presents worth more than €300.

An International Array 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 sari from Kerala from India's prime minister.
• A box of jewellery from the president of Slovakia.
• A porcelain tea set and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
• A ceramic bowl from the former US president.
• A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
• Watercolour paintings from Moldova.
• Additional objects including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Maybe the oddest gifts were the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said.

Political Context

Meloni has been credited, mostly from within her party, with winning over global statesmen and making Italy as a significant player on the world stage once again.

This unique auction symbolizes a distinct method to manage the diplomatic artifacts that accumulate during a political career.