VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – People from diverse backgrounds gathered in Valletta on Saturday morning to protest against the government’s proposed changes to planning laws.
The demonstration, organised by the coalition “Ġustizzja għal Artna” (Justice for Our Land), drew a large crowd demanding the withdrawal of Bills 143 and 144. Protesters accused the government of favouring powerful developers while ignoring residents and the environment.
The two bills, tabled in Parliament last July, amend the Development Planning Act and the Environment Planning and Review Tribunal. Critics argue the measures will strip courts of their power to cancel permits, grant planning boards greater discretion to bypass policy, and limit residents’ rights to appeal.
Organisers warned the proposals pose a “serious and imminent threat” to Malta and Gozo’s future. More than 70 organisations, from student groups to residents’ associations, have backed the call to “Kill the Bills.”
– Photo Martin Agius –
(ITALPRESS).
