Be the first to comment!Historical day for Malta & clear win for democracy on spring hunting referendum
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The Constitutional Court’s positive decision made this morning in court to allow a referendum on spring hunting to take place is a clear win for democracy in Malta, stated the Coalition for the Abolition of Spring Hunting.
The Coalition said that it is happy to witness history in the making, history which would not have been possible without the support and signatures of over 40,000 Maltese voters, people who want to see change happen in Malta, who have pledged to make the Maltese environment better and are true leaders of change.
Romina Tolu, Campaign Coordinator for the Coalition said, “the process which has led to this morning’s decision by the courts was a particularly lengthy one, in which the hunting lobby tried to delay and mislead the people and the courts time and time again. It is now crystal clear that the legislation in question is not an EU treaty obligation and it is more than evident that the hunting lobby were clutching at loose strings from the start.”
“A decision which places power in the hands of the Maltese electorate to express themselves on an important national issue is nothing but a positive opportunity for democracy in Malta. This can see an end to the concessions and backroom deals made between politicians and the hunting lobby at the cost of our migratory birds.”
The Coalition now waits for the date of the referendum to be set by the President, following which they will launch their referendum campaign.
The ruling will now be given to the President – following which the President has to set a date for holding the referendum, which should be within 3 to 6 months from the Court’s decision.
The Coalition for the Abolition of Spring Hunting is formed by 14 organisations in Malta to rally support, and lobby for an abrogative referendum on Spring Hunting; Alternattiva Demokratika, BirdLife Malta, Coalition for Animal Rights, Din L-Art Helwa, Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Gaia Foundation, Greenhouse Malta, International Animal Rescue Malta, Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, Moviment Graffiti, Nature Trust, Ramblers Association Malta, and Youth for the Environment.
Turtle Dove. Photo by BirdLife Malta
