"It is positive that the seminar was well-attended by various

stakeholders like residents, the business community, estate agents, NGOs,

politicians, the local council and private citizens who simply have the

city's well-being at heart".

The Green Party's spokesperson expressed AD's support for the objectives

of Valletta 2020.

"Valletta 2020 aims at encouraging wider participation in formulating a

proper strategy for Valletta's development. The seminar also had within

its scope the envisaging of different scenarios for Valletta's future. In

separate workshops, participants discussed Valletta's future, both in the

wake of major investment being pumped into the city but also the scenario

to be faced if the latter fails to materialize".

The Green Party's spokesperson Roberta Cauchi voiced her disapproval at

the general aura of abandonment that shrouds the city.

"Valletta is like a body surviving on a life-support machine which needs

to be injected with fresh blood and new life. Various initiatives are

needed that could give an instant face-lift to Valletta without incurring

astronomical expenses. One of the top priorities to deal with Valletta's

decline is the compilation of a database which would include all

properties in Valletta. This would be useful in dealing with the

the problem of vacant dwellings. A reform in the rent laws would also be

useful to give a breath of fresh air to our capital city. A greater

commitment in the social and cultural spheres could also help in giving a

new lease of life to the city".