Heavily criticised Christmas tree outside Parliament cost close to €20,000

The Valletta Christmas tree, which attracted a lot of attention for its design, cost €19,447, not including VAT.

Answering a parliamentary question raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Rebekah Borg, the Minister detailed the financing process behind the nearly €20,000 spend.

“The Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) published a tender for various Christmas decorations around Valletta, but no one had applied,” he said.

Under the circumstances, the VCA, as allowed by the regulations governing public procurement in such cases, had to swiftly identify contractors who could immediately provide the required services.

The infamous Christmas tree, standing outside of Parliament, was heavily criticised for “its poor design” and for having a miniature balcony, numerous wooden shutters, a small door, and lanterns instead of traditional decorations, such as baubles.

On social media, many noted that even a Christmas tree reflects a construction motif, complementing the ongoing state of construction on the islands.

However, Minister Owen Bonnici commented that the inspiration behind the design was drawn from Maltese traditions and from the poem ‘Il-Kebbies tal-Fanali’ by Anton Buttigieg.

VCA Chairman Jason Micallef had commented that he views the design as an innovative idea. Speaking during ONE TV programme Bil-Fatti, Mr Micallef stated that the tree goes against the traditional decorations associated with Christmas.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with construction. I sincerely feel sorry for the mentality of a small clique of people who have embarked on a campaign with the goal of ruining the Valletta festivities and attack businesses in the city with protests,” he said.