The chairman of the jury that selected Valletta as Malta’s European Capital of Culture, Manfred Gaulhofer, has asked the European Union to ensure that “European values are not being violated” in the framework of Valletta 2018.
Mr Gaulhofer was asked for his reaction to comments made by Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef regarding assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Mr Micallef drew the ire of many when he twisted the last words written by Ms Caruana Galizia. He took to social media to write: “The situation is desperate. There are happy people everywhere you look.”
His comments led to a group of local artists petitioning for his removal. Over 70 MEPs and a group of international writers backed their call.
Comments cast a big shadow that will lastingly tarnish image of unique event
Speaking to the Times of Malta, Mr Gaulhofer suggested that Mr Micallef and the artistic director of Valletta 2018, Mario Philip Azzopardi, were in breach of article two of the European Union treaty. The article outlines that “the Union is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, rule of law and respect for human rights”.
Mr Azzopardi called Maltese activist Martina Urso a “sorry b***h” after the young woman protested in London against Malta’s programme to sell passports.
Mr Gaulhofer said the two Valletta 2018 representatives’ comments put the core values of European Capital of Culture at stake.
“Both the continuous comments of Mr Micallef regarding Mrs Caruana Galizia and the remark of Mr Azzopardi concerning Mrs Urso reflect a mind-set that blatantly contradicts common European values,” he said.
Their comments “cast a big shadow that will lastingly tarnish the image of this unique event in Valletta and Malta’s history,” Mr Gaulhofer added.
Former chair of the European Capitals of Culture Steve Green echoed the criticism and said he would boycott Valletta 2018. Chairman of the Valletta 2018 monitoring and advisory committee Ulrich Fuchs also told the media he would boycott the event after Mr Micallef’s comments.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Valletta 2018 Deo Debattista stood by Mr Micallef, citing freedom of expression.
However, Mr Green dismissed their defence, noting that freedom of expression needed to be exercised with respect and dignity.
“The comments of these two senior members of Valletta 2018 will remain as the lasting image of the reputation of the Valletta Capital of Culture to the detriment of those working to deliver an effective programme.”
He said successive selection panels had sought to ensure a clear distinction between the politics of a city and country and the governance of a European capital.
Both positions needed to be reconsidered, he insisted.