Probe forces Italy PM Meloni to scrap plan to sell official gifts

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has scrapped a controversial plan to auction off official gifts she received from world leaders and dignitaries, a move that had drawn attention at home and abroad, as reported by Politico. The decision came after the plan faced a wave of criticism and scrutiny from political opponents and public commentators.

Under the original proposal, Meloni’s government had intended to sell hundreds of items—ranging from diplomatic souvenirs and artworks to distinctive memorabilia—at an auction house in Rome.

The idea was to turn unused official gifts into funds for charity, but many lawmakers and commentators questioned the wisdom of selling items tied to international diplomacy and state relationships.

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Why was the idea criticised?

The plans had attracted plenty of colourful descriptions in the media, especially after reports revealed the breadth of items involved, everything from tea sets and traditional clothing to unique curiosities like statuettes and designer shoes, all gathered over Meloni’s official trips abroad.

Opposition politicians and critics had argued that selling gifts from foreign leaders could be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful, particularly when such items are often symbolic of diplomatic goodwill. Some observers also suggested that the auction plan risked politicising artefacts of statecraft for short-term gain.

In the end, with mounting debate and little consensus on how to proceed, the prime minister’s office withdrew the proposal before any actual sales could take place. For now, Italy’s diplomatic gifts remain officially in government custody.

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