Three model statues of former Presidents Ċensu Tabone and Guido de Marco, and former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff have been shortlisted to be eventually sculpted into monuments.

Created by renowned sculptors Alfred Camilleri Cauchi and his son Aaron, the three statues were chosen after a public tender for these monuments to be built next year.

The project, headed by Heritage Malta under the patronage of the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Transport Minister and the National Celebrations Foundation, garnered interest with 16 proposals sent in.

The three models were chosen by a group of architects, artists, people involved in the culture scene, officials from Heritage Malta and the OPM in consultation with the families of the three men who made an impact on Maltese society in the last 50 years.

Although the model statues are still drafts, the pieces raised a lot of interest – and even criticism on the social networks. The statue that elicited the biggest criticism was that of Prof. de Marco as many argued that it did not resemble Malta’s former statesman.

Aaron Camilleri Cauchi, who modelled Prof. de Marco’s statue, said it was normal for art to be criticised. “Not everyone will like a piece of work – it happens all the time”.

Prof. de Marco’s straight pose was “synonymous” with his posture. His upright head indicated his traits of persuasion and determination, which characterised him throughout his life, a government statement said.

The next step will be a consultation process between the government, artists and families about the monuments’ final look. The one dedicated to Prof. de Marco (who died in 2010, aged 79) will be placed opposite the Law Courts while the statue dedicated to Mr Mintoff (who died in 2012, aged 96) will be located in Castille Square, Valletta.

The statue in honour of Dr Tabone (who died in 2012, aged 98) will be located in St Julian’s.

Juan Ameen took to the streets to see if people think they resemble the politicians.

Manuel Grima, 79, of Żejtun

I saw them on television and I think the statues resemble them a lot.

Nena Grima, 77, of Żejtun

I like them a lot – well done.

Giovanna Muscat, 63, from Marsa

It’s easy to recognise them – Dom Mintoff is in the middle and Guido de Marco and Ċensu Tabone are on the side. I like the way they are – they aren’t ugly.

Clint Fava, 35, of Paola

I don’t think there is anything wrong with them. It’s easy to see who they are.

Mario Camenzuli 69, of Valletta

Let’s start with the statue of Ċensu Tabone – I don’t like it. When it comes to Dom Mintoff, he had his good and bad side like everyone else, but he deserves it as he took Malta and its workers from hell to heaven.

Sarca Ross, 53, of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

They are easily recognisable – they resemble the politicians and you can immediately realise who they are. They are nice statues but the colours don’t really match – one of them [Ċensu Tabone) looks like an angel as he’s so white.

Maronia Laferla, 65, of Fleur-de-Lys

The statues are easily recognisable. I don’t really like the yellow colour of Dr de Marco’s statue or the whiteness of Dr Tabone but that of Mr Mintoff is OK.

Ray Fauzza, 54, of Ħamrun

I think all three of them deserved a monument. For example, Mr Mintoff is easily recognisable and so is the statue of Dr Tabone, but the posture of Dr de Marco is a bit stiff. It could have been a bit better, especially for someone like him.