Momentum objects to Jason Micallef's 'ageist comments' about Cassola

Momentum has accused Ta’ Qali chief Jason Micallef of directing “ageist” comments against the party’s chairperson, Arnold Cassola, in a video interview with Times of Malta.

The comments came during a filmed visit to the picnic area at Ta’ Qali, when Micallef referred to Cassola’s age while responding to criticisms of grass not growing at the site following the controversial laying of gravel earlier this year.

Micallef told Times of Malta journalist Mark Laurence Zammit he wanted to “expose the deception, pantomimes and ridiculous claims, including those of a 70-year-old man who has been trying to get elected to Parliament”, in reference to Cassola.

“He is a pensioner; he did well in the budget,” Micallef continued, later referring to Cassola as “Mr two per cent” in reference to Cassola’s share of the vote across two districts during the 2022 elections.

Micallef ignored challenges from Laurence Zammit, who can be seen in the footage asking why the Head of Unit at Ta’ Qali was referring to Cassola in that way and whether he agreed that such comments were inappropriate.

In a statement, Momentum called it “deeply disappointing and unacceptable that a senior government official and leading Labour delegate, Jason Micallef, has chosen to respond to legitimate criticism with personal insults and ageist remarks".

“Such behaviour is disrespectful, undignified, and unbecoming of anyone holding public office, let alone a person entrusted with representing national institutions.”

In a Facebook post Monday evening, Cassola said overnight watering of the picnic area gravel “suggests desperation and a troubling attempt to mask the environmental damage inflicted on Ta’ Qali”.

The night irrigation of the site followed criticism the day before from Żebbuġ mayor Steve Zammit Lupi, who noted that while grass was starting to sprout across the countryside following three inches of rain last month, this was "not the case at the Ta' Qali picnic area".

Momentum general secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said of Micallef’s comments that “no one should be dismissed, ridiculed, or belittled simply because of their age”.

“While we may be accustomed to such insults from fake profiles and paid trolls, it is immensely more damaging when public officials resort to it. This undermines the principles of respect, equality, and decency that should guide our national discourse.”

While noting that Cassola “was the third most voted politician” in the last MEP elections, Camilleri Gambin said that even if the politician had received no votes, “it would never have given Jason the licence to call someone a social failure or even to highlight their age as an attempt to belittle their argument”.

Momentum reiterated that a Freedom of Information request made by the party in September in relation to the Ta’ Qali gravel works remained unanswered, and called for its request to be heeded.

It asked to be supplied with all documents pertaining to the works, including tendering information, environmental impact assessments, the source of the gravel used, a cost breakdown and other documents.

“Public officials must lead by example. Resorting to mockery or insults when faced with criticism is not leadership, but it is a failure of respect”, the party said.

“Malta’s democracy depends on open dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect among all citizens, regardless of age or political affiliation.”