🔗 Share this article Milei Statuette, Anyone? Italy's PM to Auction Off World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause Relinquishing unwanted offerings could be seen as slightly impolite – unless it's done in the proper manner. A Charitable Auction Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell a reported 270 gifts given to her by foreign dignitaries during her travels. The eclectic collection reportedly features items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels. The presents, collectively, are valued at around €800,000. They are scheduled to be put up for sale via competitive bidding by a Italian fine art auction house. The specific date remains to be announced, although the intention is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the revenue benefiting a selection of charitable causes. Palazzo Chigi Holdings The presents are said to be locked away in a repository on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts received by her preceding prime ministers that have been sitting unused over a long period. The detailed catalog remains made public, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when an 11-page list of all declared gifts was reviewed by officials. The discussion focused on if a rule restricting expensive presents was being respected. According to regulation, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300. An International Array of Gifts Notable gifts feature: A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, reportedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad. A customary Indian garment from the Indian leader. A box of jewellery from the Slovakian president. A fine china tea service and six bottles of wine from the Hungarian prime minister. A ceramic bowl from the ex-American leader. A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine. Artworks from the Moldovan government. Various other items including makeup, a board, 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. Political Backdrop Supporters have applauded Meloni, mainly from within her party, with building relationships with foreign leaders and re-establishing Italy as a key protagonist on the global scene once again. This unique auction highlights a distinct method to manage the state presents that build up during a leader's tenure.