Second Ġustizzja għal Artna Protest on the 27th October
The government is pushing ahead with destructive planning laws that hand full power to developers. In response, the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign is calling on the public to join a second protest on Monday, 27th October. The protest will start at 5:30pm from the Law Courts and move towards Parliament.
A fight for democracy and quality of life
It is neither our choice nor our pleasure to take to the streets. 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 Saturday 4th October, Prime Minister Robert Abela continues to refuse to listen.
A Protest with a clear message
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. 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.
United for change
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.
On Monday 27th 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 Ħelwa
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
Friends of the Earth Malta
Front Żgħażagħ għall-Ambjent
Għawdix
Moviment Graffitti
Nature Trust – FEE Malta
Ramblers Association
Wirt Għawdex
Read our Press Release in Maltese.