FLORIANA LOCAL COUNCIL CLOSES DOORS IN PROTEST OVER POPULATION DECLINE

The Floriana Local Council has symbolically closed its doors in protest over the continued decline in the locality's population, with Vice-Mayor James Aaron Ellul calling for action to address the demographic crisis.

In a video posted on social media, Ellul said Floriana has recorded more funerals than baptisms in recent years, highlighting the growing concern over the ageing and declining population of the locality.

The council will remain closed as part of the symbolic protest, with only essential and emergency matters being dealt with during the closure.

Ellul said Floriana's population has remained at around 1,700 residents for the past two years. He revealed that the council has been working on a document containing proposals and practical policy ideas aimed at reversing the trend and encouraging more people to live in Floriana.

According to Ellul, discussions have already taken place with government ministers, government agencies, other local councils facing similar demographic challenges and the Opposition.

However, he said that despite these discussions, very little concrete action has taken place.

The council is now calling for the issue to move beyond discussion and towards tangible measures to ensure Floriana remains a living and sustainable community.

#MaltaDaily