🔗 Share this article Milei Statuette, Anyone? Meloni to Auction Off World Leaders' Gifts for Charity Getting rid of unwanted gifts could be considered slightly impolite – except if it's done in the proper manner. A Philanthropic Sale The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell an estimated 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries on official trips. The diverse haul reportedly features gifts including a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels. These items, combined, are worth an estimated €800,000. They will be auctioned off via competitive bidding by a Italian art dealer. A date is yet to be set, but the goal is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the proceeds donated to various charities. Palazzo Chigi Treasures These gifts are said to be stored in a repository on the third floor of the government headquarters. Sources state that Meloni furthermore intending to auction off gifts given to her preceding prime ministers that have been sitting unused over a long period. The full gift list is yet to be made public, but a glimpse was gleaned earlier this year when a detailed register of official presents was reviewed by officials. The discussion raised whether a legal value limit was being followed. Legally, a prime minister cannot take home presents valued above €300. An International Array of Gifts Notable gifts feature: A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad. A traditional Kerala dress from the Indian leader. A set of adornments from the president of Slovakia. A fine china tea service and six bottles of wine from the Hungarian prime minister. A pottery dish from the former US president. A electronic pad from the Ukrainian president. Watercolour paintings from the Moldovan government. Additional objects including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries. "Maybe the most unusual gifts were the Milei figurine and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said. Diplomatic Backdrop Meloni has been credited, particularly from her own political sphere, with building relationships with foreign leaders and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again. This charitable initiative symbolizes a unconventional way to deal with the protocol gifts that build up during a time in office.