Biden Bowl, Anyone? Italy's PM to Sell World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause
Relinquishing undesired gifts might be seen as somewhat rude – except if it's done in the proper manner.
A Charitable Sale
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, will offload around 270 presents received by her by foreign dignitaries during her travels. The eclectic collection is said to contain items such as a miniature chainsaw-holding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of exotic blue snake-skin shoes with gilded heels.
These items, combined, are worth an estimated €800,000. They will be put up for sale in a public auction by a Rome-based art dealer. An exact timeline has not been finalized, but the aim is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the proceeds donated to non-profit organizations.
Palazzo Chigi Collection
The items are currently locked away in a secure area on the upper level of Palazzo Chigi. It has been reported that Meloni additionally intending to auction off gifts given to her predecessors that have been stored away for years.
The full gift list has not yet been officially released, but a glimpse were revealed earlier this year when an 11-page list of items received was presented in parliament. The query focused on if a statutory cap on gift value was being honored. By law, a prime minister must declare presents worth more than €300.
A Global Assortment of Presents
Among the items:
- A scarf from the Albanian prime minister, allegedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
- A customary Indian garment from India's prime minister.
- A case of jewelry from the president of Slovakia.
- A porcelain tea set and six bottles of wine from Hungary's leader.
- A ceramic bowl from the former US president.
- A electronic pad from the leader of Ukraine.
- Watercolour paintings from the Moldovan government.
- An assortment including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to Libya and other Arab nations.
"Perhaps the most unusual gifts included the statuette from Milei and the exotic footwear," one might note.
Political Context
Meloni has been credited, particularly from her allies, with garnering support from international counterparts and re-establishing Italy as a key protagonist on the world stage once again.
This charitable initiative highlights a unconventional way to manage the diplomatic artifacts that accumulate during a political career.
