The common message sent by various Maltese and foreign members of the selection committee that awarded Valletta the title of the European Capital of Culture was that V18 Chairman Jason Micallef's post is untenable.

The committee members contacted by The Malta Independent argue that he does not represent European values and cultural diversity.

The various members of this committee were asked for their opinions on Micallef, who over the past few weeks has been heavily criticised over his behaviour and comments on the murder of assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Yesterday, this newsroom published an article about more than 100 art professionals who sent a petition letter to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici, calling for Micallef's removal.

Joe Friggieri, who was the vice-chairman of this committee, did not mince his words. He said that, "the selection committee, of which I was a member, had nothing to do with the appointment of Jason Micallef as chairman of V18 which took place  a number of years after the committee had concluded its work. So there's no way in which that committee, or any of its members, can 'endorse' or fail to endorse that appointment, since the committee no longer exists."

Friggieri said that, "Micallef holds public office, what he says - with which I strongly disagree anyway - does not simply reflect his personal opinion. As chairman of V18 his brief is to bring people together through culture. He should therefore refrain from making comments which, of their very nature, are incompatible with that brief. As long as citizens are not breaking the law, the State should not prevent them from expressing themselves in any way.  People should therefore be free to place flowers and light candles in public spaces as they deem fit."

The rapporteur of this committee, Vickie -Ann Cremona also spoke with this newsroom. She said that she had signed the petition letter and will be boycotting any Valletta 2018 events. Cremona said: "I condemn that language because people in public office cannot speak publicly in that way."

Jordi Pardo, who is a foreign member of the Valletta 2018 monitoring panel said that the V18 Chairman's actions, "reflect a bigger democratic problem." Pardo told this newspaper that he signed the PEN's open letter to European Commission Tuesday morning.

"I think what is happening with the Valletta 2018 project is very sad, and reflects a bigger democratic problem," he said.  "European Capitals of Culture projects are not only a 'one year' cultural celebration. They are about culture to improve the lives of citizens, European democratic values and building a better European project, placing culture as a driver for change, dignity and social and economic development."

"La Valletta had a very good project," said Pardo. "But (it) is a pity when politics replaces the goals."

Another committee member who deplored Micallef's comments and will be boycotting the V18 events was Steve Green. Green said; "I do not think his comments are worthy of a person holding his position in an ECOC (or indeed any other public organisation).  I agree fully with Ulrich Fuchs in his comments, especially on European values.  I will not be attending any V18 events and I fully support the artists letter, the PEN International letter and the statement from the 72 MEPs." Green added that, "It is clear that the prime legacy and future reputation of the V18 ECOC in Malta will be dominated by these comments and behaviour of the senior people.   Both have to reconsider their positions."

Mario Philip Azzopardi's comment likened to #metoo movement plight

In separate replies, panel member Steve Green stated that he 'abhors' the comment made by V18 Artistic Director Mario Philip Azzopardi to activist Martina Urso, and likened the situation to the plight of the #metoo movement.

Earlier this week, Azzopardi, called Urso 'a sorry bitch' after she partook in and filmed a protest against the sale of passports in London last Friday.

"I abhor what Mr Azzopardi wrote on Facebook," he said. "It is unacceptable under any circumstances. It demonstrates complete lack of respect for women in general, not just the individual it was aimed at. The #metoo movement shows just how such machismo attitudes must be changed".  Green said, "defending the comments of Micallef and Azzopardi as "freedom of expression" and calling for "moderation" is tantamount to agreeing with their comments.  

PN Media spokesperson Therese Comodini Cachia called on Clayton Bartolo to call a meeting of the EU Capital of Culture EU group to discuss taking possible steps against Micallef.