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Getting rid of unwanted gifts can be viewed as slightly impolite – unless it's done the right way.

A Philanthropic Clear-Out

The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction a reported 270 items bestowed upon her by world leaders while abroad. This unusual assortment reportedly features 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.

The collection, collectively, are worth an estimated €800,000. They will be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Rome-based fine art auction house. An exact timeline remains to be announced, but the aim is to hold the auction by year's end, with all funds raised donated to various charities.

Storage Room Collection

These gifts are currently locked away in a repository on the third floor of the government headquarters. It has been reported that Meloni furthermore intending to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been gathering dust over a long period.

The full gift list is yet to be officially released, but partial details were revealed earlier this year when a comprehensive document of all declared gifts was reviewed by officials. The question centered on if a legal value limit was being honored. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300.

An International Array of Gifts

The collection includes:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, reportedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A customary Indian garment from the Indian leader.
• A box of jewellery from the president of Slovakia.
• A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from the Hungarian prime minister.
• A pottery dish from the ex-American leader.
• A digital device from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from Moldova.
• An assortment including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.

"Perhaps the strangest gifts included the Milei figurine and the blue python skin shoes," one might note.

Diplomatic Backdrop

Supporters have applauded Meloni, mostly from her own political sphere, with winning over global statesmen and positioning Italy as a key protagonist on the world stage once again.

The forthcoming sale symbolizes a unconventional way to handle the state presents that accumulate during a time in office.