A number of people, mostly Nationalist MPs, have said they are declining the President's invitation to Republic Day activities because of the ongoing political crisis, and due to the presence of the Prime Minister.
This is in line with the decision made by the PN to boycott all activities where Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was present, in reaction to Muscat's announcement that he would only step down in January 2020.
Former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, said in a tweet today, that he could not understand how in this time of crisis and public outcry the President is going ahead with the event, as if it was "business as usual." He also said that he further could not understand why Muscat was invited.
"I will not be attending in protest," he said.
MEP David Casa also emphasised that “this is not business as usual.” He said that he will not be attending the function at a moment when Malta is facing its worst political crisis in living memory.
He also commented that the President’s energy should be spent ensuring Muscat’s immediate resignation.
Engineer Marco Cremona also said, in a Facebook post, he was decling the invitation because the “the situation in the country is such that I cannot bring myself to be in the company of individuals in government who may be tainted with corruption or worse.”
He also said that the President should not hold the reception this year “as it gives a fake semblance of normality.”
Arnold Cassola also called on the public to boycott all activities related to Republic Day. In a statement he said that if Muscat is not immediately stripped off his Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, then those of goodwill should boycott all activities which are connected to Republic Day.
“He has shamed this honour, our country and its people,” he noted.