Moviment Graffitti said an illegal canopy linked to businessman Carlo Stivala in Sliema is finally being dismantled, following months of controversy over the structure's occupation of public space.

In a statement published on Facebook, the activist organisation said it was "finally" seeing the canopy being dismantled, but questioned why it had taken widespread public pressure and repeated warnings from the organisation for action to be taken.

Moviment Graffitti alleged that the structure had occupied public space and created a danger, while arguing that the issue highlighted a wider problem involving the commercial use of public areas across Malta.

"This issue goes beyond Carlo Stivala's illegal structure," the organisation said.

According to Moviment Graffitti, a number of businesses have taken over significant portions of pavements and other public spaces, allegedly with the "full complicity" of the authorities. The organisation said such practices allow businesses to increase their commercial activity at the expense of residents' access to public areas.

It also pointed to what it described as a broader national problem, claiming that pavements, shorelines and public gardens have been taken over by commercial interests in locations including Gozo, Valletta, Gżira, Sliema, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk and the Cottonera.

Moviment Graffitti stressed that not all such occupations are necessarily illegal, noting that some have taken place on the basis of permits issued by the authorities.

The organisation said its Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini campaign would continue to push for public spaces to remain accessible to the public. It has also published a series of demands calling for stronger protection of pavements and other public areas.

The group said it would continue monitoring the situation in Sliema and remain prepared to take "direct action" if necessary.

Moviment Graffitti concluded its statement with a warning that its campaign was far from over: "The fight continues."