Momentum said Monday it has asked the Ombudsman to investigate Transport Malta after the Authority failed, for more than two months, to issue or decide on a simple banner permit for an event. The free, public event is a focus group meeting called Vision Circle dedicated to the rights and dignity of animals, planned for this Saturday, 25 October.

Despite submitting all documents, photos and forms, and sending repeated follow-ups, Transport Malta gave contradictory instructions, refused to explain its rules, and then stopped replying altogether.

"This goes beyond a banner," said Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum. "When authorities ignore requests, hide their rules and delay decisions, they silence democratic participation. Third-party political voices are being shut out through bureaucracy."

The party argues that this is a clear case of bad administration and unequal treatment, noting that Transport Malta could not provide a legal clause banning political banners, could not provide a list of approved sites for banners, gave conflicting instructions, first involving Local Councils, then dismissing them and let the application "under review" with no response for weeks.

Momentum is calling for transparent rules, clear deadlines, and equal access for all political actors. Malta is currently full of government propaganda billboards, ready set for next week's budget billboards.

Momentum is asking the Ombudsman to clarify the basic rights and procedures that Transport Malta has failed to define, specifically:

The right to display political banners: Whether a political party has the legal right to install a banner or temporary sign to promote a political event.

The competent authority: Whether permits are decided by Transport Malta, Local Councils, or another entity.

The formal application procedure: What steps must be followed to legally obtain a banner permit?

Timeframes: How long are authorities allowed to take to process and decide on applications?

Approved locations: Whether an official list or map of permitted banner sites exists.

Transparency and fairness: Whether a public register should exist to show which locations are available or already allocated.

"Silencing through bureaucracy is still silencing. Malta deserves a fair and open democracy where every voice can be heard," added Dr Agius.