Biden Bowl, Any Takers? Meloni to Sell World Leaders' Gifts for Good Cause

Getting rid of unwanted offerings might be viewed as slightly impolite – unless it's done for a noble purpose.

A Philanthropic Auction

The Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, will offload around 270 presents received by her by world leaders while abroad. This unusual assortment could include items such as a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentinian president Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.

These items, together, are worth an estimated €800,000. The plan is to auctioned off to the highest bidder by a Italian fine art auction house. The specific date has not been finalized, but the aim is to hold the auction by year's end, with the revenue donated to various charities.

Palazzo Chigi Collection

The items are currently locked away in a storage room on the upper level of the prime minister's official office. Sources state that Meloni additionally considering auction off gifts given to her political forerunners that have been stored away over a long period.

The detailed catalog has not yet been officially released, but a glimpse emerged earlier this year when a comprehensive document of official presents was submitted to lawmakers. The discussion raised whether a statutory cap on gift value was being honored. Legally, a prime minister must declare presents exceeding €300.

An International Array of Presents

Among the items:

• A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, reportedly given to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
• A sari from Kerala from the Indian leader.
• A set of adornments from the president of Slovakia.
• A fine china tea service and six bottles of wine from Hungary's leader.
• A ceramic bowl from the former US president.
• A digital device from the leader of Ukraine.
• Artworks from the Moldovan government.
• Various other items including makeup, a board, and numerous carpets from trips to Libya and other Arab nations.

"Perhaps the oddest gifts were the Milei figurine and the exotic footwear," observers have said.

Diplomatic Context

Meloni has been credited, mainly from her allies, with winning over global statesmen and re-establishing Italy as a significant player on the world stage once again.

This unique auction symbolizes a distinct method to handle the protocol gifts that accumulate during a time in office.