Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech insisted that the PN is determined to “protect the interests of the Maltese and Gozitan people in the face of two draft laws on planning presented by the Government to push them through before the summer recess.”

Speaking during an interview on NET TV this morning, Grech stressed that “these drafts have drawn strong criticism from all sectors of society, including individuals close to the Prime Minister himself.”

They were not the result of consultation, “but were instead introduced sneakily in the middle of summer, in a clear attempt to pass them without drawing attention. But the people understood and once again disrupted the Government’s plan,” said Grech.

He pointed out that the criticism came not only from the PN, “but also from environmental NGOs, professionals, opinionists, and even prominent figures within the Labour Party itself, including Joseph Muscat who called these laws a ‘mess,’ as well as the President of the Labour Party, who heavily criticised the laws as presented by Robert Abela.”

Grech stated that “the PN told the Government to immediately withdraw these drafts and instead launch a new, transparent and serious process that includes broad consultation with everyone.”

Bernard Grech stressed that if Robert Abela truly believes in sustainable development, the first thing he should do is fully support the motion that the PN presented years ago to have the environment recognised as a fundamental right in the Constitution, and to carry out carrying capacity studies in every locality, as PN Councillors in every town and village in Malta and Gozo are calling for.

Speaking about road safety, Bernard Grech expressed solidarity with all those involved in any accident and with the families of the victims of the recent incidents. The Leader of the PN stated that “our country lacks the necessary infrastructure to ensure more safety for everyone.”

He stressed the need for proper training and resources for the security forces, as well as more checks for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Grech stressed that no Government can prevent every possible accident, but there must be a much stronger political will on the part of the Government to ensure that everything possible is being done to give drivers the greatest possible safeguards while driving.

The Leader of the Nationalist Party said that it is unacceptable to keep seeing a mentality of “anything goes” on our roads.

Photo: PN

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