Momentum said that it supports the call issued by Lehen ir-Resident and the resident associations and NGOs demanding stronger enforcement to protect the quality of life of communities across Malta and Gozo.

The Party pointed out that residents are not asking for new laws. They are asking for existing laws to be enforced fairly and consistently. ”Every person has the right to peaceful neighbourhoods, accessible public spaces, a protected coastline, and institutions that place the public interest first.”

Natasha Azzopardi, executive member of Momentum, said, “the concerns raised by residents reflect many of the priorities that Momentum put forward in its electoral manifesto. We proposed a moratorium on large-scale developments and on ODZ development while planning policies are reformed, stronger protection of public land and open spaces, tougher action against noise pollution, and a planning system that puts residents and the environment before speculative development.

“We also called for greater transparency, independent institutions, and effective enforcement to ensure that planning and environmental laws are applied equally to everyone, without political interference or selective enforcement.”

Momentum went on to say that the statement issued by Lehen ir-Resident rightly recognises that Malta’s quality of life depends not only on economic growth but also on respect for residents, the rule of law and the protection of our shared public spaces. ”Tourism and business are vital to Malta, but they cannot come at the expense of people’s well-being or their fundamental rights.”

Momentum welcomed Lehen ir-Resident and the organisations supporting this initiative for giving a united voice to communities across Malta and Gozo. ”Their message reinforces the urgent need for planning reform, good governance, and institutions that work in the public interest.”

Momentum concluded by saying that ”Malta deserves communities where people can live peacefully, enjoy public spaces freely and have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”

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