A meeting between government and environmental NGOs is to take place in the coming weeks, but it will not happen before the environmental protest scheduled for Saturday morning, “Xebbajtuna!”

Prime Minister Robert Abela spoke to the media on Tuesday after a press conference where he announced 16 community greening projects which will benefit from €10 million.

He was asked by The Malta Independent about the upcoming protest being organised by Moviment Graffitti, Friends of the Earth Malta, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust Malta-FEE, Għawdix, BirdLife Malta and Ramblers’ Association Malta.

The national protest is calling for a radical reform of all institutions responsible for environment, planning and lands, as well as a change in the economic model, to one which seeks the better quality of life for citizens, rather than endless economic growth for the benefit of the few.

Abela was asked if he too, is fed up. In response, he said that he has already asked the organisations in question to meet for a discussion.

Moviment Graffitti activist Andre Callus confirmed that the Prime Minister has indeed invited them for a discussion, with the meeting to take place in the coming weeks. A date is still to be set for this meeting.