As the Government persists in pushing ahead with destructive planning laws that hand all power to developers, the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign is calling on the people to join a second national protest on Monday 27 October.
The protest will start at 5:30pm from the Law Courts and move towards Parliament. That day, the government will be presenting the budget for 2026.
It is neither our choice nor our pleasure to take to the streets, but we have no other option than to fend off this massive threat to our quality of life and democracy. We have repeatedly stated that we would much rather sit around a table to discuss the urgent planning and environmental reforms our country needs. However, despite the people's cry for justice, including the thousands who took to the streets on Saturday 4th October, Prime Minister Robert Abela continues to refuse to listen.
This so-called planning reform is a Damocles' sword hanging over the people's heads. It is no coincidence that this protest will coincide with the presentation of the annual Budget. Our message is clear: this is not business as usual, the organisers said.
The two planning bills and three legal notices pose an imminent threat to our most cherished places, our communities, social justice, and democracy. They would dismantle all existing protections against unbridled construction by rendering planning regulations ineffective and placing full control in the hands of the corrupt Planning Authority. They would also severely undermine the public's right to effectively appeal illegal decisions, and strip the Court of its power to revoke illegal permits. Additionally, the legal notices would grant a blanket amnesty for all sorts of illegalities committed up to last year, with no limits on type, size, or location.
We strongly believe that the people have the power to stop this assault on their quality of life and are the last lines of defence against the greed of developers. While reiterating our call on Prime Minister Robert Abela to immediately withdraw these laws, we also call on the public to intensify this fight against the bullies of this country - those who believe that money gives them the right to trample over the common citizen.
"On Monday 27 October, we'll show once again that we refuse to live under the reign of developers.
Together, we'll stop them."