Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541988
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 DECEMBER 2025 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The proposals have drawn public criticism from Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, former ministers Edward Zammit Lew- is and Carmelo Abela, Labour deputy leader Alex Agius Sali- ba and Żejtun committee pres- ident Brian Scicluna, amoung others. Speaking to MaltaToday, for- mer justice minister Edward Zammit Lewis said the contro- versy highlighted long-standing gaps in planning policy rather than misconduct by developers. "One issue which everyone seems to be overlooking is why there is no planning policy to ban the development of prop- erties in village squares," Zam- mit Lewis said. "Developers will continue to apply if the policy allows them to do so, and they are right to do so if the law al- lows." He said the real question was whether policymakers were comfortable with the status quo. "If not, we have to act. I do not blame those who apply," he said. Zammit Lewis dismissed sug- gestions he was were speaking out to placate voters ahead of a general election, noting that the localities in question were not those he was elected to repre- sent. He said he had raised the issue internally on several oc- casions and urged colleagues to do the same. "There is nothing wrong with having a unique opinion which maybe differs from the party line," he said. He also warned the Planning Authority was failing to take sufficient account of the popu- lation's broader social and cul- tural expectations. "The people do not serve the authorities and politicians – we serve them," Zammit Lewis said, describing the disconnect between public policy and community senti- ment as worrying. A 'positive' culture of debate Speaking to MaltaToday on condition of anonymity, anoth- er Labour MP questioned the growing trend of ministers and MPs issuing public statements on individual planning appli- cations, arguing such concerns should primarily be discussed within Cabinet and parliamen- tary group meetings. "If they are bothered by the policies, let's change them, and let's discuss the policy," the MP said. "Those who are not com- fortable need to action their concerns." At the same time, the MP said the fact that senior figures felt comfortable airing concerns re- flected a healthy culture within the party and government. Deputy leader Alex Borg re- flected the positive sentiment on having the party allowing space for such debates to be held. "It is positive that representa- tives speak out for the commu- nities they represent," he said, adding that criticism had also come from MPs in areas not traditionally considered Labour strongholds. "That is the beauty of having a party with different views." Agius Saliba said he had con- sistently spoken out against controversial projects, includ- ing proposals in Comino, Gżira and a planned tarmac plant that was ultimately not approved. "We want these free debates to be held, and that is the beauty of having a party with different views. The problems happen when you have members of the party's administration who sti- fle the debate and discussions, something we don't want to do," he said. MP Glenn Glenn Bedingfield defended open discussion, while cautioning against politi- cising genuine concerns. "I have no problem with peo- ple voicing their concerns," Bedingfield said. "What bothers me is when those comments are weaponised for partisan gain. When criticism is constructive, it leads to positive outcomes. What is wrong is when that genuine criticism is twisted for political mileage." A 'complex' problem Bedingfield argued against a blanket approach to develop- ment, saying different localities had different needs. Speaking from Birgu square, he said the area did not require further de- velopment, while neighbouring Bormla had benefited from re- generation. "Every locality has its specific requirements," Bedingfield said. Former minister Carmelo Ab- ela said concerns he aired in public had been raised internal- ly, saying he was relaying con- stituents' anxieties. He stressed the issue was complex. "Those who look at it from a commercial standpoint are right in saying that the de- velopment is in line with the law," Abela said. "Should the Planning Authority approve it, it would approve it according to current legislation." However, he said the debate went beyond legality. Referring to government commitments to preserve Gozo as an "island of villages", Abela said Malta should adopt a comparable vi- sion, including an aesthetic pol- icy. "Beyond ODZ and sensitive areas, an issue we regularly ig- nore is the aesthetic aspect of our developments," he said, adding that the Planning Au- thority should better reflect the country's social and cultural needs. "Government should be giving the direction of where we want to head." Questioned about possible electoral implications, Abela said voters' expectations had evolved as government ad- dressed basic concerns such as unemployment and energy bills. "When these issues are ad- dressed, people will rightly ex- pect a better quality of life," he said. "Whether they are willing to risk all that to change gov- ernment, I don't know." Finance Minister Clyde Caru- ana, who was present during a protest held in his hometown of Żabbar, said his reservations on development which is not of benefit to the community at large have always been made public. Environment minister Miriam Dalli declined to comment on the individual projects, saying she was not privy to their spe- cific details. She referred to previous speeches in which she had said the discussion on development areas is an issue which cannot be superficial. Dalli had said the discussion has to be initiated from one fundamental principle that the development areas should not grow more than they are today. "What occurred in 2006 is more than enough and we shouldn't continue to increase them", she had said. She also emphasised govern- ment lands should remain un- developed, stating while seri- ous consultation could lead to adjustments that make sense or address injustices, Malta should not embark on the road of in- creasing land for development. Earlier this year government tabled a set of bills aimed at reforming the planning sector. The bills which were tabled dis- creetly before parliament rose for summer recess have been met with anger, as protestors insisted they were aimed at ap- peasing developers. Majority of Labour figures welcome public debate on UCA development, but some warn against weaponization Activists gather in Zabbar to protest against the development of a five-storey elderly home in the locality (Photo: Matthew Farrugia/MaltaToday)