The Independence Day activities organised by the Nationalist Party this year will head back to the Granaries. Last year, the anniversary celebrations were held in Republic Street, with the main stage being a few metres away from the Parliament building, leading to harsh criticism.
The Granaries in Floriana have long been synonymous with the Nationalist Party's annual Independence Day celebrations. But last year, the PN decided to take a break from the usual spot and head for Valletta's main road, Republic Street, and the area surrounding the newly-opened Parliament building.
PN event organisers had set up goal-posts and basketball nets in front of Renzo Piano's Parliament, a move which some found to be quite offensive. The PN was also criticized for setting up kiosks, tables and chairs at de Vallette Square for the same purpose.
The party had been heavily critical of the government's plan to allow the daily Monti to be held there, and their decision to use the Parliament area for political and sport events associated with the Independence Day activities had backfired.
Asked what caused the change of heart, a spokesperson for the Nationalist Party said that the Granaries are "more suitable for the requirements of this year's programme".
The reply did not specify if it's an issue of space or logistics. It simply stated that the Granaries will serve a better purpose for the activities planned.
The programme for this year's Independence Day activities will be unveiled "in the coming weeks" but the celebrations will also kick start the new political season after September.
According to the spokesperson, last year's celebrations were held "at the heart of the Nationalist Party's heritage in the capital city".
"This year we will be celebrating the Independence festivities at Fosos, Floriana, which is more suitable for the requirements of this year's programme which will be launched in the coming weeks."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2agTeRO
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