With the Government persisting in pushing ahead with destructive planning laws that hand all power to developers, the Gustizzja ghal Artna campaign is calling on the people to join a second protest later this month.

Taking place on Monday, the 27th of October. The protest will start at 5:30pm from the Law Courts and move towards Parliament.

Gustizzja ghal Artna stated, “it is neither our choice nor our pleasure to take to the streets, but we have no other option than to fend off this massive threat to our quality of life and democracy. We have repeatedly stated that we would much rather sit around a table to discuss the urgent planning and environmental reforms our country needs.”

However, despite the people’s cry for justice, including the thousands who took to the streets on the 4th of October, Prime Minister Robert Abela continues to refuse to listen, the group said.

Gustizzja ghal Artna argued that “this so-called planning reform is a Damocles’ sword hanging over the people’s heads. It is no coincidence that this protest will coincide with the presentation of the annual Budget. Our message is clear: this is not business as usual.”

The two planning bills and three legal notices pose an “imminent threat to our most cherished places, our communities, social justice, and democracy. They would dismantle all existing protections against unbridled construction by rendering planning regulations ineffective and placing full control in the hands of the corrupt Planning Authority,” stated Gustizzja ghal Artna.

It added that “they would also severely undermine the public’s right to effectively appeal illegal decisions, and strip the Court of its power to revoke illegal permits. Additionally, the legal notices would grant a blanket amnesty for all sorts of illegalities committed up to last year, with no limits on type, size, or location.”

Gustizzja ghal Artna said, “we strongly believe that the people have the power to stop this assault on their quality of life and are the last lines of defence against the greed of developers. While reiterating our call on Prime Minister Robert Abela to immediately withdraw these laws, we also call on the public to intensify this fight against the bullies of this country – those who believe that money gives them the right to trample over the common citizen.”

It concluded by saying, “on Monday, the 27th of October, we’ll show once again that we refuse to live under the reign of developers. Together, we’ll stop them.”

Organisations:

BirdLife Malta

Din l-Art Helwa

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar

Friends of the Earth Malta

Front Zghazagh ghall-Ambjent

Ghawdix

Moviment Graffitti

Nature Trust – FEE Malta

Ramblers Association

Wirt Ghawdex.

Photo: Moviment Graffitti

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