PN slams Government’s reform consultation as ‘purely cosmetic’ and ‘pre-decided’

The Nationalist Party (PN) has slammed the Government’s recent reform consultation, questioning whether it’s purely cosmetic and if conclusions have already been pre-decided.

In a formal submission, the PN responded to two proposed laws introducing major changes to Malta’s planning system, urging the Government to withdraw the bills and conduct a genuinely participatory consultation.

The reforms sparked widespread controversy among various groups, including the Malta Chamber, Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) and the Malta Development Association, with several environmental NGOs organising a national protest on 4th October.

In its submission, the PN argued that over the past 12 years, Malta’s planning system has been deliberately stalled, failing to reflect the country’s economic, demographic, social, cultural and environmental needs to the detriment of local communities’ quality of life.

On citizens’ rights and right to appeal, the PN noted it had already proposed suspending permits under appeal and introducing clearer timelines for appeals, describing these as positive steps.

It also warned that the Government’s amendments would weaken the courts by removing their power to revoke permits and limit court appeals strictly to points of law, leaving the judiciary with little more than the option to uphold or annul tribunal rulings.

The PN also warned that the proposed reforms would hand excessive discretionary powers to the Planning Authority and the Government, allowing them to override established policies, alter zoning without scrutiny, and even legalise developments in sensitive areas.

It argued that the amendments undermine the rule of law, weaken the courts, erode transparency and fuel a culture of impunity by favouring illegal developments.

Instead, the PN is calling for a holistic, transparent reform based on scientific evidence, stricter enforcement, and a structured mediation process that gives citizens, NGOs, and local councils a stronger voice in planning decisions.