Controversy at Great Siege Monument as Daphne Memorial Cleared for Victory Day

· Updated

In brief

  • Official Victory Day commemorations began with wreath-laying ceremonies by political leaders at the Great Siege Monument in Valletta.
  • The makeshift memorial dedicated to Daphne Caruana Galizia was removed from the site ahead of the state event amid public protests.
  • Nationalist MP Eve Borg Bonello criticised authorities for clearing the tributes while leaving the monument soiled with bird droppings.

Official Victory Day commemorations in Valletta were accompanied by renewed tension at the Great Siege Monument, where the makeshift memorial dedicated to assassinated journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was cleared ahead of state ceremonies.

The national holiday proceedings commenced with Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition representatives laying commemorative wreaths at the base of the Republic Street monument.

Public protests linked to Caruana Galizia overshadowed the official event, following recent court developments that have reignited civic anger over the 2017 assassination.

Before the arrival of dignitaries, workers removed flowers, candles, and framed pictures placed at the site by activists, continuing a contentious practice that has recurred during state functions in recent years.

The clearance prompted criticism from Nationalist MP Eve Borg Bonello, who drew attention to the physical upkeep of the monument itself during the proceedings.

Borg Bonello pointed out that while government authorities acted quickly to strip away the memorial tributes, they left the historic structure coated in bird droppings, highlighting what she termed an ironic disparity in official priorities.

The Spin Room

Medium media divide. Reporting differed in focus, with one outlet leading on official ceremonies and protests while another highlighted an Opposition MP's criticism regarding monument maintenance.

  • The Maltese Herald: Emphasised the official Victory Day wreath-laying ceremonies at the monument and noted that proceedings were overshadowed by public protests.
  • Newsbook: Focused on political reaction from Nationalist MP Eve Borg Bonello, highlighting the contrast between the removal of the memorial and the uncleaned state of the monument.

Sources (2)