Residents and activists gathered in Valletta to protest the increasing commercialization of public spaces, calling for immediate government action. The march began on Merchants Street, a prime example of encroachment with rows of catering furniture, highlighting frustration over unfulfilled government promises.
Protesters carried placards with messages like “Enforcement not mockery” and “Where’s the balance?” as they demanded a more robust law on outdoor catering, greater transparency from the Lands Authority on encroachment permits, and the right for residents to protect public land.
The activists emphasized the lack of balance between business interests and public access, accusing the Planning Authority and other agencies of prioritizing commercial gain over community needs. The protest concluded outside the Lands Authority, where participants expressed concern over its opaque permit process and vowed to escalate their actions if their demands remain unaddressed.
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