These 72 MEPs Have Just Demanded The Immediate Sacking Of Valletta 2018 Chairman Jason Micallef
A cross-party group of 72 MEPs have demanded the immediate removal of Jason Micallef from the post of Valletta 2018 chairperson in light of derogatory comments he had passed against assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
“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 for justice to be removed are actions that we consider incompatible with those of an official that represents the European Capital of Culture,” the MEPs wrote. “It has been noted that merely hours after PEN published its letter, 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 Mr Micallef be immediately removed from the post of Chairman of Valletta 2018 Capital of Culture”.
The letter was penned by Nationalist and EPP MEP David Casa, S&D MEP Ana Gomes, ALDE MEP Maite Pagazaurtundua, ECR MEP Monica Macovei and Greens-EFA MEP Benedek Javor.
It was signed by 67 other MEPs, including Nationalist MEPs Roberta Metsola and Francis Zammit Dimech.
In a statement, David Casa warned that Micallef has humiliated both himself and tainted Valletta 2018.
“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 by his behaviour. He should resign immediately”.
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