Momentum has called for full transparency, accountability and stronger enforcement following the Salini fireworks factory explosion, saying Malta can no longer continue tolerating such disasters close to communities, farms, sanctuaries and homes.
The party said in a statement that the aftermath of the explosion had "shaken the nation," not only because of the destruction and fear caused to residents, but also because of the impact on animals.
"The heartbreaking aftermath of the Salini explosion has shaken the nation. Beyond the destruction and fear caused to residents, countless innocent animals, birds, pets, and livestock paid the ultimate price. Many were killed instantly, others died from shock and terror, while many more were injured and traumatised," Momentum said.
The party said that among the animals killed was Ricky, the 57-year-old parrot at the Bird Park sanctuary.
The bird was described as a gentle creature who had survived decades only to lose his life because of a preventable tragedy.
"Alongside Ricky perished flamingos, owls, baby birds, and many other voiceless creatures whose suffering must never be forgotten," the party said.
Momentum expressed its solidarity with Bird Park owner Kevin Mallia, saying his testimony served as a reminder that such explosions destroy not only property but also life.
"Mallia courageously spoke out about the horrific devastation caused by the nearby fireworks factory explosion. His testimony is a painful reminder that these explosions do not only destroy property but they destroy life."
"Today's technology is capable of revealing exactly what happened and who is responsible for this disaster. The Maltese public deserves full transparency, accountability, and immediate action. Silence from the authorities responsible for all this is unacceptable. The country deserves answers, and the victims, human and animal alike, deserve justice."
Momentum also raised environmental concerns linked to the explosion.
"Beyond the immediate destruction, serious scientific and environmental concerns must also be addressed. Reputable scientists have noted that explosions release debris containing traces of unexploded material together with products of chemical transformation caused by combustion and detonation. Many of these substances are toxic and may contaminate nearby agricultural land, crops, animal fodder, and water sources," the party said.
Momentum committee member Katya Compagno said the party was calling for urgent and transparent chemical analysis of affected areas.
"Momentum therefore calls for urgent and transparent chemical analysis of affected areas, particularly testing for benz(alpha)pyrene, chlorate, perchlorate, copper, barium, antimony, as well as aluminium and strontium. No contaminated crops or animal feed should be allowed to enter the food chain before rigorous testing and public clearance by the competent authorities," she said.
Compagno said that while experts indicate that health risks from short-term inhalation of smoke or dust by nearby residents are likely limited because of low exposure levels, the longer-term environmental contamination of soil, fodder and agricultural produce requires immediate attention.
"We acknowledge reports that the Food Safety Authority has initiated steps in this direction, but the public deserves full disclosure and continuous monitoring."
Momentum said that "a serious discussion and real enforcement must happen now.
"Year after year, Malta continues to tolerate such disasters dangerously close to communities, farms, sanctuaries, and homes. Enforcement is evidently inadequate. It is useless burying our head in the sand with the excuse of protecting traditions while we continue to pollute, terrorise animals, and place lives in constant danger."
The party called for the immediate identification of all fireworks factories and for periodic reports on their safety evaluations to be published, including amounts and analysis of the impact should another tragedy occur at any one of these locations.
The party said that those which are deemed to be too close to homes or farms, must be relocated to abandoned quarries or similarly remote contained areas where, in the event of an explosion, the risk to life must be reduced to the bare minimum.
"No hobby, no tradition, and no spectacle can justify the killing of innocent creatures or the devastation caused to families and communities."
"Residents who were shocked, property destroyed and innocent animals who died yesterday should neither have been in vain nor happen again. Their voices may have been silent, but Malta must now speak for them," the statement said.