Ceramic Gift, Anyone? Italy's PM to Sell World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause
Relinquishing unwanted offerings could be viewed as slightly impolite – unless it's done the right way.
A Philanthropic Sale
The leader of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, plans to auction around 270 presents received by her by international figures while abroad. This unusual assortment 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 gold heels.
The presents, collectively, have an approximate value of €800,000. The plan is to sold via competitive bidding by a Italian art dealer. A date remains to be announced, but the goal is to conduct the sale before Christmas, with the revenue benefiting a selection of charitable causes.
Palazzo Chigi Treasures
The items reportedly kept in a repository on the third floor of Palazzo Chigi. Reports indicate that Meloni is also considering auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been stored away for years.
The detailed catalog has not yet been officially released, but partial details was gleaned earlier this year when a comprehensive document of items received was presented in parliament. The discussion raised if a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. Legally, a prime minister must declare presents valued above €300.
A Global Array of Gifts
Among the items:
- A silk accessory from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
- A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister.
- A box of jewellery from the Slovakian president.
- 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.
- Artworks from the Moldovan government.
- An assortment including makeup, a skateboard, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.
"Perhaps the most unusual gifts were the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," one might note.
Diplomatic Context
Supporters have applauded Meloni, particularly from her own political sphere, with winning over foreign leaders and re-establishing Italy as a prominent force on the international platform once again.
The forthcoming sale highlights a unconventional way to manage the protocol gifts that build up during a leader's tenure.
