Rome, Italy – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to auction off a collection of official gifts she has received during state visits and official meetings. The proceeds from the auction will benefit non-profit organizations and associations. While a date for the sale has not yet been set, the catalog is expected to feature a diverse array of items, from precious jewels to curious memorabilia.
A Diverse Collection for a Noble Cause
The decision to “clean out” the Prime Minister’s official storage was announced by Palazzo Chigi. The extensive list of items, totaling 270 objects, was first revealed in May following a parliamentary inquiry. According to Italian law, gifts valued over 300 euros cannot be retained by officials.
The collection showcases a wide spectrum of diplomatic exchanges. Among the more personal items are a colorful scarf from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, a traditional Keralan dress from Indian Prime Minister Modi (received at the G20 in Bali in November 2022), and a traditional Romanian gown. More valuable pieces, currently stored in a vault, include a set of Libyan jewelry, exquisite blue python décolleté shoes with gold heels, and a tablet from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Other notable items include carpets, paintings, a porcelain tea set from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and a small ceramic bowl from former US President Joe Biden. The collection also features more whimsical items, such as a statuette of Javier Milei with his signature chainsaw, a bag of fine Pakistani rice, small Libyan camels, and various sports team jerseys.
Bertolami Fine Art to Manage the Auction
At the end of October, the Secretary General of Palazzo Chigi authorized the sale of these goods. A recent resolution entrusted the management of the “sale by auction of representative gifts received by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers” to Bertolami Fine Art, a Roman auction house that also operates as an art gallery and exhibition design studio. Bertolami Fine Art secured the 40,000-euro contract by offering a minimal 5% commission on the auction proceeds.
The auction is expected to be held in an institutional setting, with both in-person attendees and online participants, similar to major international auctions. In the future, the Prime Minister may also choose to auction gifts received by her predecessors for charitable purposes.
Past Controversies and Future Prospects
Almost four years ago, Bertolami Fine Art managed another auction that sparked a political controversy. A cyclostyled leaflet from the Red Brigades concerning the kidnapping of Aldo Moro, a non-original but historically significant copy, was put up for auction. Meloni, then a rising political figure, criticized the sale, stating it was a “disgrace” and should be claimed by the state. Despite her protests, the controversy drove up the price, with the leaflet ultimately selling for a record 32,760 euros.
This upcoming charity auction highlights a growing trend of public figures utilizing their diplomatic gifts for philanthropic endeavors. The initiative not only serves to raise funds for important causes but also offers a unique glimpse into the world of international diplomacy and the personal exchanges between global leaders.
The full list of items and the exact date of the auction will be announced in due course. This event is anticipated to draw significant public interest, both for the unique items on offer and the charitable purpose it serves.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_11/giorgia-meloni-all-asta-per-beneficenza-i-doni-ricevuti-nelle-visite-ufficiali-dai-gioielli-libici-al-tablet-di-zelensky-c8922dd5-4b65-4871-a9f0-3c0673db6xlk.shtml
