Government Rejects PN’s environment bill, Calls For Consultation Through Launch Of Green Paper

A proposal by the Nationalist Party (PN) to enshrine the right to a healthy environment in Malta’s Constitution has triggered a heated debate, with supporters hailing it as a landmark step and opponents warning of unintended consequences for long-standing traditions and activities.

The PN has tabled a Private Member’s Bill that would establish the right to a clean, sustainable environment as a fundamental right, placing it on par with constitutional protections for life and health. Supporters argue the amendment would give citizens a stronger legal framework to hold governments accountable for environmental harm. The Opposition says the move is a necessary response to Malta’s pressing environmental challenges, including air pollution, waste management, the loss of open spaces and limited investment in renewable energy.

Environmental NGOs have broadly welcomed the proposal. However, groups representing hunters, trappers, motorsport enthusiasts, shooting sports and other recreational activities have raised strong objections, warning that the measure is too broadly drafted and could undermine established practices that have been regulated for decades. Legal experts have also voiced reservations, cautioning against constitutional change without proper consultation or analysis.

In Parliament on Thursday, the Labour Party (PL) parliamentary group voted against the PN amendment, saying it could not ignore the concerns of thousands of Maltese and Gozitan citizens.

Parliamentary Whip Naomi Cachia stressed that constitutional reform requires wide consultation, “The Government can never participate in an amendment that changes the highest law of the country without any consultation, without any analysis, and without considering the broader impact of such changes,” she said. “In recent days, various organisations, as well as legal experts, expressed their concerns about what the Opposition is proposing concerns we cannot ignore.”

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard launched a Green Paper on environmental reform. The document invites the public and stakeholders across Malta and Gozo to participate in a consultation process aimed at strengthening environmental legislation with broad consensus.

Cachia concluded that, if there is genuine agreement on the need to reinforce environmental protection, it must be done through wide consultation.

#MaltaDaily