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Relinquishing undesired presents might be viewed as slightly impolite – unless it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Auction

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell around 270 gifts given to her by world leaders while abroad. The diverse haul could include items such as a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

These items, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They will be sold via competitive bidding by a Italian auction firm. An exact timeline is yet to be set, although the goal is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the proceeds benefiting various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Treasures

The presents reportedly locked away in a secure area on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni is also intending to auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been gathering dust over a long period.

The full gift list is yet to be disclosed, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was presented in parliament. The discussion raised whether a legal value limit was being followed. According to regulation, a prime minister must declare presents valued above €300.

A Global Assortment of Gifts

Notable gifts feature:

• A scarf from the leader of Albania, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A traditional Kerala dress from India's prime minister.
• A case of jewelry 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.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• Additional objects including cosmetics, a skateboard, and numerous carpets from trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Possibly the oddest gifts were the Milei figurine and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said.

Diplomatic Backdrop

Meloni has been credited, particularly from her allies, with winning over foreign leaders and making Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.

The forthcoming sale represents a distinct method to handle the diplomatic artifacts that build up during a leader's tenure.