The Malta Women's Lobby said Thursday it strongly opposes the government's proposed planning legislation, which it said "would hand unprecedented control of our country to developers while punishing law-abiding citizens".

"We believe that any legislation that strips citizens of their right to seek justice and appeal unfair decisions is fundamentally unjust and harmful to society. These proposed reforms threaten not only our environment but also the very democratic safeguards and rule of law that protects us all," the lobby said in a statement.

If passed, these laws will silence the voices of citizens. Instead of fair and transparent processes, the government is proposing measures that punish individuals who raise legitimate concerns, exposing them to fines and court action, it said.

Such reforms are designed to discourage civic participation and place ordinary, law-abiding people in an impossible position-unable to defend their communities against the interests of powerful developers, the statement added.

This is not merely an environmental issue. It is an issue of justice, equality, and human rights. When citizens cannot challenge the decisions of authorities, society becomes dangerously imbalanced in favour of the wealthy few. Women, in particular, often carry the greatest burden when liveable spaces, clean air, and safe environments are eroded-impacting families, children, and future generations.

"We stand in solidarity with civil society organisations, activists, and communities across Malta in denouncing these reforms for what they truly are: a direct attack on democracy, equality, and the well-being of the Maltese people".

The Malta Women's Lobby calls for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bills and legal notices; the protection of citizens' rights to challenge unfair planning decisions without fear of reprisal, and a planning system that safeguards our environment, our communities, and future generations.

Justice and equality cannot thrive in a society where people are silenced and punished for defending their fundamental rights, the group said.

For this reason, we urge the public to join the national protest this Saturday, to make it clear that the Maltese people will not tolerate a patriarchal system that favours a handful of developers.

"The authorities are duty bound to protect the wellbeing of the people they were elected to serve."