Joseph Muscat stands by Lou Bondì decision

Joseph Muscat's decision to handpick television presenter Lou Bondì and place him on the Foundation for Maltese National Festivities drew harsh criticism from close quarters, however the Prime Minister is adamant that the decision will prove successful.

Insisting that the Labour Party was voted in office upon the 'Malta for all' (Malta Taghna Lkoll) rallying cry, Muscat said his government was implementing its promised meritocracy in its appointments.

Pointing out that next year Malta will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Independence, the 40th anniversary of the Republic, the 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and 10 years of EU accession, Muscat said that these feasts cannot be "second class."

"We have a perfect opportunity to change this and we will tackle it frontally," Muscat said, adding that this would herald a new political era.

He added that the 12 board members of the festivities foundation were appointed for their abilities.

As many staunch Labour activists, including high ranking party officials, expressed their outrage, particularly through social media, Prime Minister Muscat yesterday defended the appointment, seeking to put his supporters' minds at rest that he knows what he's doing.

Asked whether Bondì's appointment was linked to the decision to remove him from the national broadcaster's autumn schedule, Muscxat said: "I am not the PBS board and I do not know what they are discussing or deciding."

Bondì, who was also touted for the V18 board, was ostensibly appointed for his involvement in the organisation of past large events, including his memorable performance playing the guitar at the 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The government justified his appointment by describing him as "a television presenter and the person responsible for the celebrations marking Malta's EU accession in 2004."

His appointment was not well received by Labour supporters, including MEP Joseph Cuschieri and party stalwart Joe Grima.