Biden Bowl, Anyone? Italy's PM to Auction Off International Gifts for Good Cause
Getting rid of unwanted presents could be viewed as slightly impolite – unless it's done for a noble purpose.
A Charitable Clear-Out
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell a reported 270 presents received by her by world leaders while abroad. The diverse haul could include gifts including a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gilded heels.
These items, combined, have an approximate value of €800,000. They will be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Rome-based fine art auction house. The specific date is yet to be set, but the aim is to conduct the sale by year's end, with the revenue donated to a selection of charitable causes.
Storage Room Collection
The presents are currently stored in a secure area on the third floor of the government headquarters. Sources state that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts received by her predecessors that have been gathering dust for years.
The full gift list is yet to be disclosed, but some insight emerged earlier this year when a detailed register of all declared gifts was presented in parliament. The query centered on whether a legal value limit was being followed. According to regulation, a prime minister must declare presents exceeding €300.
An International Assortment of Gifts
Notable gifts feature:
- A woven wrap from the Albanian prime minister, reportedly 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 president of Slovakia.
- A fine china tea service and a selection of wines from Hungary's leader.
- A pottery dish from the former US president.
- A digital device from the Ukrainian president.
- Paintings from Moldova.
- Various other items including cosmetics, a board, and numerous carpets from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.
"Perhaps the most unusual gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," observers have said.
Diplomatic Context
Meloni has been credited, particularly from her allies, with building relationships with foreign leaders and positioning Italy as a significant player on the global scene once again.
This charitable initiative represents a distinct method to deal with the state presents that build up during a political career.
