Moviment Graffitti Calls On Prime Minister robert Abela To Withdraw Controversial Planning Reforms

This morning, Moviment Graffitti, as part of the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign, sent a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, urging the immediate withdrawal of controversial planning reform bills and the initiation of genuine, collaborative discussions on planning reform.

Addressed to Hon. Dr Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, the letter expressed urgent concern over proposed laws that the campaign believes undermine decency and democracy by removing safeguards that protect citizens from unchecked development.

The campaign highlighted that, since the introduction of these bills, public frustration has grown over what is perceived as legislation favouring developers at the expense of ordinary citizens. They stressed that, in its current form, no consultation can rectify the deeply flawed reform, which was conceived to enrich a few rather than serve the common good.

Moviment Graffitti expressed regret that, following the launch of the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign and a recent protest, the Government appears intent on proceeding with the laws. The campaign criticised the Government for ignoring the voices of thousands of citizens and more than seventy organisations spanning every sector of society, from residents and students to hobby groups and academics.

The letter called for the immediate withdrawal of the two bills and three legal notices. “People do not deserve to live under constant threat, waiting for their basic rights and cherished places to be destroyed,” it stated.

Moviment Graffitti emphasised that it does not wish to fight a battle but prefers to sit down and discuss the planning reform Malta urgently needs. The campaign noted that proposals submitted in 2020 and 2023, which offered practical solutions to safeguard citizens’ rights and improve quality of life, were ignored in favour of developers’ interests.

Writing on social media, Moviment Graffitti added, “We therefore make a heartfelt appeal for you to withdraw this legislative package and instead issue a White Paper on planning reform. This is the sort of collaboration and unity we wish to see and participate in.”

They continued, “However, in the absence of such action, and in the context of an enormous threat posed by bills that read like a wish-list for developers, you will leave us with no choice but to intensify our struggle in favour of Ġustizzja għal Artna.”

The letter concluded with a call for a White Paper on planning reform, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and unity. Without such action, the campaign warned that it will escalate its advocacy to protect citizens’ rights and the environment.

#MaltaDaily