Valletta 2018 chairman Jason Micallef has insisted the recent controversial dismissals within the organising team are common occurrences in other European Capitals of Culture and not an issue of concern to the public.
“The matter is now behind us. It is business as usual within the Foundation and I am determined that the upcoming celebrations will not be tainted by any controversy,” Mr Micallef told The Sunday Times of Malta.
“I know of no concerns or preoccupations among the general public over this, which is something that happens in every public entity.”
The removal of executive director Karsten Xuereb and programme coordinator Margerita Pulé from their posts last week, just six months before the start of events, prompted a stern warning from the European Commission panel monitoring V18.
Both Mr Xuereb, who has been moved to the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, and Ms Pulé, now at Spazzju Kreattiv, had been with V18 since the start of preparations some five years ago.
Mr Micallef refused to explain why the changes were deemed necessary, saying only that the decision was taken unanimously by the Board of Governors and “in the interest of V18”.
Decision taken in the interest of V18
“The transitions made sense. Both will continue to work closely with V18. Ms Pulé’s understudy, Joanna Attard Mallia, stepped in immediately to continue the work she had already been involved in,” he said. “The new executive director, former director of culture Catherine Tabone, is also widely respected and has been working very closely with V18 for the past five years.”
While the government has spun the transfers as a case of organisational dynamics, the change in leadership has been described by the Commission monitoring panel as “very risky steps” which “seriously compromise the prestige and success” of Valletta 2018.
In a letter to Culture Minister Owen Bonnici and Mr Micallef last week, the panel said the decisions appeared to have been taken “without the usual legal requirements, due transparency and communication, notably among all members of the Board of the Foundation”.
According to Mr Micallef, the government has since provided the panel with a “detailed explanation” and considers the case closed.
Mr Micallef refused to comment on an e-mail he sent V18 staff last week in which he said Mr Xuereb and Ms Pulé had lost his “personal confidence”, as the e-mail had been intended for internal consumption.
In the message, seen by this newspaper, Mr Micallef said staff were no longer to take instruction from the pair and anyone who disregarded the order was warned they would be “personally defying” the chairman.
Informed sources have said the dismissals came after profound disagreements regarding the overall direction of the project and specific decisions that had been taken, and followed an unusual clear-the-air meeting among all members of staff.
Mr Micallef yesterday spoke at a press conference on the theatrical cabaret Balzunetta Towers, which is part of the Malta International Arts Festival. Performances will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal from Tuesday to Sunday.