VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) - A large protest erupted outside Malta’s parliament in Valletta on Monday evening, as environmental activists demanded the government immediately withdraw two controversial planning reform bills.
Led by Moviment Graffitti, demonstrators insisted there could be no negotiation or compromise. “Withdrawal is our only demand,” a spokesperson declared, calling it a matter of democratic principle. The protest was fuelled by growing public outrage after Prime Minister Robert Abela dismissed criticism of the proposed legislation earlier in the day, suggesting that opponents had misunderstood the reforms.
Protesters displayed banners reading “Stop the destruction” and “Government hijacked by developers,” accusing the government of serving private interests at the expense of the public. Critics warn the proposed reforms would grant the Planning Authority sweeping discretionary powers, restrict court appeals, and allow ministers to revive lapsed development permits — all without adequate public consultation. Several opposition MPs attended the protest in a show of solidarity, joining calls for the immediate withdrawal of the bills.
Tensions flared when Abela arrived at parliament and was directly confronted by activists, who accused him of evading consultation and acting on behalf of developers.
“You want to take the people for a ride,” said one protester, challenging Abela’s defence that the legislation was being misunderstood.
Activist Andre Callus of Moviment Graffitti pressed the prime minister on why civil society had been ignored during the drafting process. Abela responded curtly, “We will talk to you,” before walking away — twice — as frustrations mounted. Under mounting pressure, Abela eventually said the bills would not be voted on until talks with civil society had taken place, though he stopped short of pausing the parliamentary process.
Environmental groups have condemned the reforms as disastrous, while opposition figures argue they would severely erode judicial oversight and democratic safeguards in Malta’s planning system. As the protest came to a close, activists remained adamant: unless the bills are withdrawn, resistance will only intensify.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
