PN MEPs snub invitation for a reception and presentation by Jason Micallef

‘We will not be part of this charade - Jason Micallef should be removed from his position as V18 Chairman immediately’

Partit Nazzjonalista MEPs David Casa, Roberta Metsola and Francis Zammit Dimech have rejected an invitation by the Maltese Permanent Representation to the European Union and the Maltese Ambassador to Belgium Ray Azzopardi, for a reception and presentation by Valletta 2018 Foundation Chairman Jason Micallef. The event is being held tomorrow evening at Dar Malta in Brussels.

The former Partit Laburista Secretary General Jason Micallef is under fire from Members of the European Parliament, international writers and renowned local artists for his continuous vilification of late journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia as well his treatment of the artistic community.

Last week, PEN International sent a letter, endorsed by 250 international authors, expressing outrage at the behaviour of Jason Micallef. This was followed by a letter sent to the European Commission by 72 MEPs from across political groups, calling for the immediate removal of Jason Micallef from Chairman of Valletta 2018 Foundation. Locally, this issue led to the circulation of a petition amongst Maltese artists calling on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici to sack Jason Micallef immediately.

Partit Nazzjonalista Head of Delegation in the European Parliament MEP David Casa stated: "Jason Micallef is not fit for purpose. And this is not only on the basis of his atrocious behavior in relation to Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family. His treatment of artists involved in Valletta 2018 is deplorable. His continued presence at the helm of Valletta 2018 puts it in jeopardy. The recent vulgar behavior of his artistic director in relation to a Maltese protestor also warrants our condemnation. These actions are diametrically opposed to the purpose of the European Capital of Culture. We won’t be part of it."

MEP Roberta Metsola said: "The Chairman of Valletta 2018's level of intolerance and fuel of political division has proved that he is not up to the task of leading this national event. Valletta 2018 should have been a moment for the nation to come together and celebrate our enduring culture and values. Instead he has turned it into another self-serving platform for his politics of hate and division. He does not care about how his actions impact negatively on the rest of the country or on the artists who want to use this to showcase their work and Maltese talent. His behaviour is unbecoming.”

MEP Francis Zammit Dimech said: “We will not be part of a charade in which Jason Micallef is not only not being reprimanded for his appalling comments, but being confirmed in his role. Leading the organising committee of the European Capital for Culture is an important role that requires a unifying individual and not someone who is divisive and whose behaviour taints not only himself, but also Valletta 2018. It is in this light that we are rejecting the invite for tomorrow’s event, and reiterate our call for the immediate removal of Jason Micallef from Chairman of the Valletta 2018 Foundation.”