Protest Against Take-Up Of Public Space In St George’s Square

Jun 16 2024

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in Victoria to protest against the takeover of streets and pavements by restaurants.

Activists from Moviment Graffitti, Għawdix, Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex, and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar were joined by local band clubs, Il-Ħaġar museum representatives, councillors, and parishioners.

They condemned the complete occupation of St George’s Square by restaurants, blocking all four entrances with tents, tables, and chairs while authorities failed to enforce regulations.

Frustration has been mounting for months, with the archpriest of St George’s Basilica publicly voicing grievances in March. Demonstrators decried the encroachment as prioritizing commercial interests over community needs.

This protest is part of Moviment Graffitti’s broader campaign, ‘Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini,’ which opposes rampant commercial encroachment in various towns, including Sliema, Valletta, and Marsaxlokk.

The excessive commercialisation has disrupted social and cultural life, making it difficult to hold weddings, funerals, and religious events.

Local band club Soċjetà Filarmonika La Stella also reported difficulties organizing the local feast. Despite Prime Minister Robert Abela’s statement on the issue, campaigners’ demands remain unanswered, and enforcement remains lax.

#MaltaDaily

PN Wins Gozo Local Council Elections With 1,127 Votes

Jun 15 2024

Taking to social media, Nationalist Party spokesperson for Gozo Alex Borg celebrated the victory of the Opposition in Gozo in the local council elections.

The victory was reportedly had with 1,127 votes over the Labour Party.

In a separate post, Borg highlighted the various wins that led to the overall victory.

The PN retook Żebbuġ with an over 10% increase, whereas Munxar saw a 25% increase as well as the acquisition of a new seat.

All PN candidates in Kerċem were elected, keeping a Nationalist Party majority. With San Lawrenz also sticking to the Nationalist Party, the Qala local council was only 27 votes away from flipping the script to the PN.

‘Gozo once again chose to re-enter its natural home – the Nationalist Party’, wrote Alex.

#MaltaDaily

PL Ministers Congratulate & Thank Council Candidates

Jun 15 2024

Taking to social media, Ministers Owen Bonnici, Clayton Bartolo and Clint Camilleri congratulated all the elected local councillors on behalf of the PL ticket.

‘Labour won the local council elections with a majority of 20,000 votes over the Nationalist Party’, wrote Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Owen Bonnici (@bonnicio)

In a photo together at the counting hall, as they offered support to all the Labour candidates awaiting the result, the three ministers thanked not only the people who put their names forward to support their localities but all the volunteers who gave so much to the cause they believe in.

#MaltaDaily

Conrad Borg Manche Reelected To Gżira Local Council

Jun 15 2024

Former Labour Party Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manche issued a thanks for his supporters, highlighting how he managed to get re-elected to the local council with 562 first count votes.

Borg Manche had resigned from his position back in October of 2023, saying that the Labour Party is no longer a socialist party fighting for the workers.

Having served as Gżira mayor for eight years, the now independent politician had come to a head with the PL after he accused it of betraying its socialist principles after plans to turn a public garden into a petrol station became known.

Borg Manche also ran for the MEP elections, but failed to get elected despite being one of the favourites behind Arnold Cassola.

#MaltaDaily