Activists from Moviment Graffiti and other environmental groups have set up camp outside Parliament in Valletta to protest against the government’s proposed planning reform, which they describe as a “developers’ coup”.

Activists began preparations on Sunday by setting up tents outside Parliament. While the main protest is scheduled for Monday, campaigners were already camping outside Parliament on Sunday to make their presence felt.

The direct action, which began unannounced at 11am, was strategically timed on the eve of the annual budget speech, when Members of Parliament will gather inside the Parliament building. Protesters say they intend to stay for as long as necessary to pressure the government into withdrawing Bills 143 and 144, along with a related legal notice announced last summer.

According to the activists, the proposed legislation would transfer excessive control to developers, weaken environmental safeguards, and curtail the public’s right to appeal planning decisions. They also claim the measures would strip the courts of their power to revoke illegal permits and effectively grant amnesty for unauthorised developments committed up to last year.

In a statement, the activists said their action aims to ensure the government “does not ignore the people’s plea for planning and environmental justice.” They are inviting the public to join the camp or visit to learn more about the issue.

The government insists that the reform is intended to “streamline planning processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen enforcement.”

This demonstration serves as a precursor to a larger protest titled Ġustizzja għal Artna: Together, We’ll Stop Them!, set to take place on Monday 27 October at 5.30pm. The march will start from the Law Courts and proceed towards Parliament, coinciding with the beginning of the budget speech.

Sunday’s action follows months of mobilisation by Moviment Graffiti, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, and Friends of the Earth Malta, who have repeatedly condemned the proposed laws as a “developers’ wishlist” designed to dismantle remaining environmental protections.

Earlier this month, more than 160 university academics, NGOs, residents’ associations, and student groups joined a national demonstration in Valletta under the slogan Ġustizzja għal Artna: Irtirawhom Issa! (Justice for Our Land: Withdraw Them Now). Activists say they will continue their campaign until the government permanently scraps the controversial planning reform.