A protest will take place on Republic Day this Friday with celebrations running contrary to the current political crisis Malta finds itself in following Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s refusal to resign immediately.

“The best way to celebrate Republic Day is to defend the Republic from the web of criminality that has taken hold of our country’s institutions.”

“We therefore urge all Maltese and Gozitans of goodwill to join us in Valletta on Friday 13th December at 9.15am The public is invited to bring posters and whistles to deliver its message clearly,” Repubblika said in a statement.

A number of protests have taken place in the fallout of the arrest and charge of Yorgen Fenech in connection with the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and the murder’s connection with the Office of the Prime Minister.

Most recently, Moviment Graffitti activists stormed Castille and camped inside its halls for a number of hours.

Muscat has said he will step down on 12th January with a leadership election taking place. However, fears still remain that he could severely affect the outcome of. Investigations and the leadership race itself.