The Nationalist Party did indeed condemn the government’s surprise reforms in planning and construction, but the Nationalist Party has not yet delivered its position on the matter and still needs to come with a position of its own. The Nationalist Party is even demanding a planning reform but we don’t know what the PN wants from a planning reform.
The current Local Plans are a creation of a Nationalist Administration and the Labour government wants to violate them. However it is not even clear if the Nationalist Party is actually supportive of the current Local Plans – their enforcement would be a better alternative to what the Labour government is proposing.
Both PN leaders contenders, Alex Borg and Adrian Delia have condemned the surprise reform.
The press reelease by the Nationalist Party is being copied below.
The Partit Nazzjonalista insists on a serious, transparent and high-quality reform of the planning system
PN questions why the Government tabled two planning bills in the middle of summer and is now rushing them through Parliament
The Partit Nazzjonalista condemns the way in which the Government is attempting to introduce fundamental changes to Malta’s planning system – changes which, if approved, could have disastrous consequences for our environment and the quality of life of all citizens.
Yesterday, two bills were tabled in Parliament without the slightest form of public consultation. Environmental NGOs, professionals, local councils, communities and the general public have all been sidelined. This is a direct affront to the principles of transparency and participation that should underpin any serious legislative process.
The Partit Nazzjonalista questions the timing and urgency behind these bills being presented right in the middle of summer. The Government has ignored the growing calls for a reform of the planning and appeals process for years – so why the sudden rush now, after years of inaction?
Ironically, all this is happening during a week in which the Government chose not to convene Parliament for two days, only to then hastily push these laws through under the pretence of discussion before Parliament breaks for summer recess. This is a clear sign of the Government’s lack of direction and serious planning. It has once again chosen to bypass the democratic process and act in secrecy, when what is needed is an open and transparent approach.
This same arrogant attitude is reflected in the bills themselves. Through these proposed laws, the Government would be removing the last remaining legal safeguards protecting citizens. It would grant unchecked powers to the Planning Authority and the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) while restricting the public’s right to appeal planning decisions. Even worse, it would remove the Courts’ ability to revoke planning permits.
The truth is that the public has long been waiting for a planning reform that puts the public interest first. Instead of an open and inclusive process, we are faced with proposed laws that reduce environmental protection and further weaken the voice of the citizen in planning matters.
The Partit Nazzjonalista will be putting forward concrete proposals, including a fair mechanism for transparency and dialogue to take place before decisions are made on controversial applications. This would eliminate confusion, avoid unnecessary conflict, streamline the process, and restore trust in the planning system.
The Partit Nazzjonalista urges the Government to change its approach and launch a serious process with genuine, open consultation – one in which everyone is given the space they deserve to defend the future of this country.
Stanley Zammit
Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands
Rebekah Borg
Shadow Minister for the Environment
Website Editor
Historian and Publisher
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