ADPD – The Green Party has accused the Maltese government of systematically ignoring recommendations by the Ombudsman while enabling abuse of public spaces and illegal developments across the country.
Citing recent media reports and published Ombudsman findings, the party pointed to long-standing issues in localities such as Gżira, Marsaskala, and Ħal Farruġ. These include the illegal occupation of public squares and pavements by kiosks and furniture, and the case of the Montekristo Estates – which ADPD described as a “blatant example” of state inaction.
ADPD Secretary General Ralph Cassar said, “It is crystal clear that the Ombudsman’s office is doing its job by scrutinising public administration in detail. Yet this work is being deliberately undermined by Prime Minister Robert Abela and his ministers, including Planning Minister Clint Camilleri.” He added that claims by the government about respecting institutions ring hollow when their recommendations are disregarded to protect individuals close to the Labour Party.
Chairperson Sandra Gauci added that the government’s failure to act on illegal development and the misuse of public spaces represents “a shameful level of arrogance.” She condemned the Ministry responsible for Planning for ignoring the Ombudsman’s calls to take concrete action to safeguard the public interest.
“Once again,” Gauci said, “this is a government of barons – a supermarket-style administration run on favours and nepotism. We must ask: who is being protected from enforcement just because of their proximity to power?”
ADPD called on the government to take the Ombudsman’s recommendations seriously and enforce planning regulations equally across the board, without political interference.
Photo: Times of Malta
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