The Office of the Prime Minister responded to backlash about this event by saying “this was a cultural activity with the participation of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and it was done with the purpose of raising funds for a just cause”.

The “just cause” was to raise funds for organisations which work in favour of the protection of animals.

Attending this event – which was “scheduled for several months” – would be commendable if the attendees weren’t also the very same politicians who have overseen years of underfunded, under resourced and overburdened animal shelters.

This Prime Minister is doing a great job of looking like a caricature.

Someone in the OPM could surely have predicted that the optics wouldn’t be good, when Abela had his party vote to devastate thousands by refusing to look into an issue which obviously needs looking into – before going on to enjoy a literal operatic symphony.

It doesn’t matter that the event was planned months in advance, the political class just lives different. 

A lot of evidence points to the possibility that the vote to block an inquiry into JeanPaul Sofia’s death, too, was planned months in advance.

The prevalence of citizen actors choosing to undertake massive athletic feats to raise funds for animals in Malta is a direct result of government inaction.

Abela can attend as many fundraisers as he’d like – but he and his party could help a lot more by allocating significant amounts of highly necessary government funds and resources to those organisations working directly to protect animals.

Cassola, predictably, does not agree with the OPM.

“Abela obliged his 40 parliamentary pocket dogs to vote against the motion to hold a public inquiry to find the whole truth about the death of JeanPaul Sofia.”

“Three hours later, Abela abused his position to make use of a state palace, the Girgenti, so that his family and other guests, including members of the OPM, would indulge in the notes of the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra, and a famous operatic singer of course, all at the expense of the Maltese taxpayer.”

“Not quite satisfied with this, the Prime Minister also invited participants of the Love Island program for this festive evening to bring them together with members of his family, including minors.”

Cassola has called for investigations into Abela before, but following the events of yesterday evening, he is not alone in his outrage.

Sandra Gauci, ADPD Leader has called for “revolution” against the PL’s power.

“This anger needs to go beyond Facebook. There is a need for a revolution. Let’s collect any self respect we have left to unite and get rid of them. They do not lead us,” said Gauci on social media.

“The country already lost a lot yesterday. Let us take back our country from under the hands of these criminals.”

What do you think of Abela’s attendance at the event last night?