Seventy-two MEPs from across political groups have described Jason Micallef's behaviour in the wake of Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder as undignified and unacceptable and called for his immediate removal from the post of chairman of Valletta 2018.

The MEPs referred to a letter published by PEN International and endorsed by 250 international authors that expressed outrage at the behaviour of Mr Micallef.

Read: Jason Micallef slammed as 'outrageous' by international writers

The MEPs said the vilification of Ms Caruana Galizia, even after her assassination, and the calls for the clearing of the memorial in her tribute in Valletta and for banners demanding for justice to be removed are actions they considered incompatible with those of an official that represents the European Capital of Culture.

Mr Micallef created a stir last month when he posted a picture of the big crowd for the St Patrick's Day celebration in St Julian's and in a twist of the last words written by Ms Caruana Galizia, wrote: "St Patrick's Day in Malta. The situation is desperate. There is happy people everywhere you look."

Just hours after this PEN letter was published, Mr Micallef proceeded to continue with his outbursts on social media and ordered banners organised by Maltese civil society calling for justice to be removed.

"We strongly condemn these undignified and unacceptable actions and call on the European Commission to demand Mr Micallef be immediately removed from the post of Chairman of Valletta 2018 Capital of Culture."

Nationalist Party MEP David Casa, who led the initiative together with five other MEPs, said: "Jason Micallef has humiliated himself and he has tainted Valletta 2018 by his behaviour. He should resign immediately."