AD’s statement had been made in response to a declaration made by the Prime Minister in favour of the development of two golf courses, one in Malta and one in Gozo. In its statement, AD criticised both the timing and the content of this declaration.

In yesterday’s statement, AD chairman Dr Harry Vassallo said: “The facts in this case are clear. The timing of the Prime Minister’s declaration was significant. Mepa is expected to decide on this issue in the next few days. The Prime Minister’s declaration amounts to indirect pressure on the MEPA board that will be deciding on the Verdala golf course soon.”

Dr Vassallo added that the declaration made by the Prime Minister also amounts to direct pressure on Mepa to approve two golf courses in the Maltese islands. If Mepa is truly autonomous, it should be free to decide on whether two new golf courses are sustainable or not.

“AD notes that while the Prime Minister feels free to interfere in the planning process by stating that two golf courses should be developed, he is abstaining from expressing an opinion on the implications of the development of a golf course in Verdala on

the livelihood of the farmers presently working the land in question.

This is very disappointing from a Prime Minister who has always projected himself as an advocate of social justice.

The Prime Minister is also abstaining from commenting on the implications of this development on the Church-State agreement,” concluded Dr Vassallo.