The coalition of environmental NGOs has once again called upon Members of Parliament to listen to their conscience when voting for the proposed extensions to the development zones.

During last Wednesday’s protest, the coalition made a call for a free vote. In a letter it sent to MPs, the coalition said that if the government was convinced that the proposed measures were in the country’s interest, it would have no qualms in allowing a free vote on the issue.

The coalition appealed to MPs to give serious thought to whether they will vote for Malta or for the party and reminded them that they were elected democratically to protect the interests of those who voted for them, rather than the chosen few who stand to gain by these measures.

The coalition added that if MPs violated this mandate, they would betray both democracy and the people who trusted them. It also urged members to listen to the numerous institutions and citizens who were against the changes.