Moviment Graffitti said that following the clear message that the Gozitan community passed on Saturday, Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi came out to say that the authorities will be updating the “masterplan” for St George’s Square, Victoria, in order to achieve the “balance” between ”the rights of the public and commercial interests.”

However, Graffitti insisted that ”it is not balance that is needed, it is enforcement.”

The organisation stated that ”while we observe with satisfaction that the Minister responsible for the Lands Authority is finally moving – after the people were forced to take to the streets to show their anger – we remind you that the last proposal to modify this masterplan actually wanted to legalise the illegal occupation of the square.”

Therefore, Graffitti said, ”without wanting to, we ask: what will be the purpose of this masterplan – to give back to the people what is after all rightfully theirs, or to facilitate the interests of commercial operators under the pretext of -balance?”Graffitti also questioned whether ”any dialogue is being held with the affected community? And why is there a need for a masterplan for St George’s Square when there are already clear laws, such as the Outside Catering Areas Policy, which are there and are simply not being enforced?”

Last Saturday, the Parish of St. George, cultural associations such as the La Stella Philharmonic Society, the Il-Hagar museum (Belt Victoria Foundation) and the Victoria community, came together with one cry, making it clear that St George’s Square is the centre of their community’s life.

Moviment Graffitti insisted that giving St George’s Square back to the people ”should not be an act of goodwill, but it is a basic right of the people. This also applies to other public spaces that have been stolen from the people.”

”Immediate action and enforcement is needed and less words. Meanwhile, our fight for a better quality of life and against the abuse of citizens’ rights will continue,” stated Moviment Graffitti.

Please also see the below articles:

https://gozo.news/98390/appeal-made-to-authorities-to-maintain-order-in-st-georges-square/

https://gozo.news/109421/st-georges-square-is-a-failure-of-comprehensive-planning-ghawdix/

Photos: Top – Moviment Graffitti and below – Gozo News

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