🔗 Share this article Milei Statuette, Any Takers? Italy's PM to Auction Off World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause Getting rid of unwanted presents could be seen as a little discourteous – except if it's done the right way. A Philanthropic Sale Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries while abroad. The eclectic collection reportedly features gifts including a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gold heels. These items, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They are scheduled to be sold via competitive bidding by a Rome-based auction firm. An exact timeline remains to be announced, although the intention is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the proceeds going to non-profit organizations. Palazzo Chigi Treasures The items are said to be stored 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 political forerunners that have been sitting unused for years. The detailed catalog remains made public, but some insight was gleaned earlier this year when an 11-page list of all declared gifts was presented in parliament. The query focused on if a legal value limit was being honored. According to regulation, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents valued above €300. An International Array of Presents The collection includes: A woven wrap from the Albanian prime minister, reportedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad. A customary Indian garment from the Indian leader. A set of adornments from the president of Slovakia. A porcelain tea set and six bottles of wine from the Hungarian prime minister. A pottery dish from the ex-American leader. A electronic pad from the Ukrainian president. Paintings from the Moldovan government. An assortment including makeup, a board, and several rugs from trips to Libya and other Arab nations. "Maybe the most unusual gifts included the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," one might note. Diplomatic Context Supporters have applauded Meloni, mainly from within her party, with building relationships with global statesmen and positioning Italy as a significant player on the international platform once again. This charitable initiative highlights a distinct method to manage the diplomatic artifacts that build up during a time in office.