V18 dismissals of no concern to public – Jason Micallef

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”.

 “The transitions made sense.