A coalition of resident groups has accused the government of deliberately slowing down controversial planning law reforms in order to avoid political fallout ahead of the next general election.
In a statement, Il-Kollettiv said progress on Bills 143 and 144 has effectively stalled, despite repeated assurances that revised drafts would be published. Secretary Wayne Flask said more than five weeks have passed since the Prime Minister last promised updated versions, while the group's most recent formal meeting with the parliamentary committee overseeing the reforms took place in November.
Flask said the delays appear intentional, arguing that the government is seeking to keep the issue out of public debate until after voters go to the polls.
He also criticised official claims that the reforms are necessary because of "legal uncertainties" surrounding planning appeals. According to Il-Kollettiv, this narrative mirrors arguments made by developers rather than reflecting the reality of court decisions. Flask said residents only pursue legal action when they believe they have strong grounds, adding that such appeals are frequently upheld.
Instead, he argued that the real problem lies with decisions issued by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, which he described as institutionally compromised. He pointed to the tribunal's leadership, noting that its chair also works for the Planning Authority, creating what he said is a built-in conflict of interest when the tribunal reviews the authority's own decisions.
As an example, Flask cited a recent court ruling concerning a development in Swieqi, which found that the tribunal had acted arbitrarily.
Il-Kollettiv warned that Bills 143 and 144 would weaken residents' democratic rights by allowing planning policies to override both local plans and the Planning Act. The group said ongoing disputes in Mellieħa and Rabat illustrate how planning rules are being shifted in favour of developers, including through last-minute policy changes and approvals in outside development zone areas.
While the coalition said it is not opposed to introducing a nine-month deadline for concluding legal proceedings, Flask questioned what developers stand to gain from the reforms beyond reducing opportunities for public opposition.
The group linked the proposed laws to wider public dissatisfaction over construction, congestion and overpopulation, warning that the issue could become a significant electoral flashpoint because of its impact on everyday life.
Il-Kollettiv called on the media and civil society to give greater attention to the bills, arguing that public scrutiny has been diluted by other political controversies. The statement was endorsed by resident groups from Marsaskala, Mellieħa, Qrendi, Sliema, Valletta, Żurrieq and Żejtun.