Kamra tal-Periti calls for public reclamation of Freedom Square on world architecture day

On World Architecture Day, the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) has called for the return of Valletta’s Freedom Square to public use, voicing concerns over the ongoing presence of ‘temporary’ metal barriers around Malta’s Parliament building.

The architectural body highlighted the importance of public spaces in fostering community interaction and cultural heritage, advocating for a more balanced use of the square in line with its original design intentions.

The barriers were set up as a safety measure in 2019 after Members of Parliament were pelted with eggs and blocked from leaving Parliament by angry crowds protesting against the Government in the wake of investigations into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Since then, barriers have remained in place despite promises from authorities to find a more permanent and aesthetically acceptable solution.

In its statement, the KTP pointed out that public spaces like Freedom Square should not be treated as extensions of parliamentary premises but as shared spaces for the community.

The organisation underscored the need for public areas to be accessible, safe, and inviting, aligning with principles of sustainable urban design and open architecture.

Call for transparency and action

The call for the removal of barriers echoes earlier debates about the square.

In 2022, the Speaker of the House Angelo Farrugia confirmed that the barriers would remain in place until a permanent security solution was found. However, two years later, no significant progress has been made.

The KTP’s latest appeal adds to this sentiment, urging the authorities to uphold the architectural and cultural integrity of Valletta. “Urban spaces belong to the people,” the organisation argued, stressing that safety measures should not come at the expense of public access and enjoyment.

Finally, the KTP remarked that spaces like Freedom Square contribute not only to Malta’s aesthetic appeal but also to its social fabric.