Italian critic Vittorio Sgarbi has described Maltese European Commissioner Helena Dalli as a “moron” and a “cretin” for attempting to cancel Christmas from the official European jargon.

Speaking during Bruno Vespa’s highly popular programme Porta a Porta, Sgarbi said that “Christmas” is what makes Europe what it is today."

“Christmas means West, Christmas means respect for the person, for the woman,” he said, going on to say that Dalli pockets €20,000 per month for her job.

The document prepared by Dalli was intended – in her words – to provide for more inclusion.

But its controversial nature was lambasted by many, including Pope Francis. It was later withdrawn.