Biden Bowl, Any Takers? Meloni to Sell World Leaders' Gifts for Charity
Getting rid of undesired gifts could be seen as slightly impolite – unless it's done the right way.
A Charitable Clear-Out
Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is set to sell around 270 presents received by her by international figures while abroad. The diverse haul reportedly features gifts including a chainsaw-wielding statuette of Argentina's leader Javier Milei and a pair of blue python skin shoes with gold heels.
The presents, together, are valued at around €800,000. The plan is to auctioned off in a public auction by a Rome-based art dealer. The specific date remains to be announced, but the aim is to hold the auction before Christmas, with the proceeds going to various charities.
Storage Room Treasures
These gifts reportedly stored in a storage room on the third floor of the prime minister's official office. It has been reported that Meloni furthermore planning to auction off gifts received by her preceding prime ministers that have been stored away over a long period.
The detailed catalog is yet to be made public, but a glimpse were revealed earlier this year when an 11-page list of official presents was presented in parliament. The discussion raised if a rule restricting expensive presents was being honored. Legally, a prime minister is not permitted to keep presents exceeding €300.
A Global Assortment of Gifts
The collection includes:
- A woven wrap from the leader of Albania, allegedly presented to Meloni for her birthday during a meeting abroad.
- A customary Indian garment 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 pottery dish from the former US president.
- A tablet from the leader of Ukraine.
- Watercolour paintings from the Moldovan government.
- Various other items including cosmetics, a board, and numerous carpets received during trips to North African and Middle Eastern countries.
"Possibly the oddest gifts included the Milei figurine and the blue python skin shoes," observers have said.
Political Context
Meloni has been credited, particularly from within her party, with winning over international counterparts and re-establishing Italy as a prominent force on the world stage once again.
This unique auction highlights a novel approach to manage the state presents that are collected during a time in office.
