ADPD-The Green Party has called for urgent action to defend environmental and social justice ahead of Monday's national Budget, warning that no financial measure can make up for the government's proposed planning reforms.
During a pre-budget press conference themed Green Over Greed, ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said that while the country awaits the Minister for Finance's Budget announcement, Parliament cannot ignore the "sword dangling over our future." Gauci described the proposed planning legislation as a "threat to social justice and democracy," arguing that it will permit more haphazard development and limit citizens' right to appeal flawed decisions.
"These reforms will not only encourage planning chaos but will also offer amnesty for a number of illegalities," Gauci said. "This is nothing short of a direct attack on the quality of life, the rights of communities, and the principles of environmental protection, sustainability, and transparency."
Gauci stressed that no Budget measure could offset the long-term damage these planning changes would cause. She called on citizens to join the national protest scheduled for Monday, insisting that Parliament must not carry on "as if it is business as usual" while such legislation threatens the country's democratic and environmental foundations.
"The government cannot allow money to dictate the national agenda. The rule of law must also apply to our planning system," Gauci said, urging unity among "all people of goodwill" to resist what she described as an assault on Malta's future.
ADPD's Public Relations Officer, Brian Decelis, echoed Gauci's concerns while also highlighting the need for a sustainable economic model. He criticised the government's continued reliance on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the main indicator of progress, calling it an outdated measure that ignores natural and social contributions such as unpaid care work and environmental health.
Decelis said that the party's Green Vision 2050 offers an alternative framework that values wellbeing and ecological balance rather than unchecked consumption. He also raised alarm over Malta's growing national debt, which he said is increasing by four million euros a day according to the National Statistics Office. This mounting debt, Decelis warned, will leave future generations with fewer opportunities to determine their own priorities.
"What is certain is that it is unacceptable for the Minister for Finance to pass on this debt to future generations," Decelis concluded.
Gauci ended by reaffirming ADPD's stance that true progress cannot come at the expense of environmental integrity or social fairness. "Whatever is announced in the Budget, these reforms will take us back to a time we wish to forget," she said. "Together, we can stop this."