72 MEPs lambast Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef and demand his immediate sacking

A large number of MEPs across various political groups have described Valletta 18 chairman Jason Micallef’s behaviour as “undignified and unacceptable,” calling for his immediate removal.

The MEPs referred to a letter published by PEN International and endorsed by 250 international authors, who expressed their outrage at Micallef’s behaviour. The 72 MEPs stated: “We share the outrage expressed in this letter. The vilification of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, even after her assassination, and the calls for the clearing of the memorial in her tribute in Valletta and for banners demanding justice to be removed are actions that we consider incompatible with those of an official that represents the European Capital of Culture.

“It has been noted that merely hours after this PEN letter was published, Jason Micallef proceeded to continue with his outbursts on social media and ordered banners organised by Maltese civil society calling for justice to be removed.

“We strongly condemn these undignified and unacceptable actions and call on the European Commission to demand that Mr Micallef be immediately removed from the post of chairman of Valletta 2018 Capital of Culture.”

The PN’s head of delegation in the European Parliament, MEP David Casa, who led the initiative together with five other MEPs, stated: “It is unacceptable for the chairman of the European Capital of Culture to behave in this manner. Jason Micallef has humiliated himself and he has tainted Valletta 2018 through his behaviour. He should resign immediately.”

The letter was also signed by PN MEPs Roberta Metsola and Francis Zammit Dimech.