🔗 Share this article Biden Bowl, Any Takers? Italy's PM to Sell World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause Passing on unneeded gifts might be considered slightly impolite – except if it's done in the proper manner. A Philanthropic Clear-Out Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction an estimated 270 presents received by her by world leaders while abroad. The eclectic collection is said to contain objects like a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels. These items, collectively, are valued at around €800,000. They will be auctioned off in a public auction by a Rome-based art dealer. The specific date is yet to be set, although the aim is to conduct the sale during the holiday season, with the proceeds donated to a selection of charitable causes. Palazzo Chigi Collection The presents are currently locked away in a secure area on the upper level of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni is also intending to auction off gifts received by her predecessors that have been sitting unused over a long period. The full gift list has not yet been made public, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when a detailed register of all declared gifts was reviewed by officials. The query centered on if a statutory cap on gift value was being honored. According to regulation, a prime minister cannot take home presents worth more than €300. A Global Array of Gifts Among the items: A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, reportedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad. A sari from Kerala from the Indian leader. A box of jewellery from the president of Slovakia. A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader. A ceramic bowl from the ex-American leader. A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine. Artworks from Moldova. Additional objects including cosmetics, a board, and several rugs from trips to Libya and other Arab nations. "Maybe the most unusual gifts were the statuette from Milei and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said. Diplomatic Context Meloni has been credited, mostly from her allies, with winning over international counterparts and positioning Italy as a prominent force on the global scene once again. This unique auction symbolizes a distinct method to handle the state presents that build up during a leader's tenure.