Prime Minister And Opposition Leader Criticise Mosta Council’s Tree Transplant Decision
Both Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader have spoken out regarding the decision taken by Mosta Local Council on transplanting the trees which reside in the square.
While speaking to journalists outside parliament, Robert Abela emphasised the importance of communication and criticised Mosta councillors for not being clear with residents about the plans to transplant the Ficus trees to Santa Margerita.
While speaking to Times of Malta, Abela urged councillors to listen to residents and their concerns and to be open to reconsider the plan to transplant the trees.
“There’s nothing wrong with councillors hearing people out and reconsidering. And if they want it to go ahead, they can better explain themselves,” Abela told reporters.
PN Leader Bernard Grech spoke out saying he gave out instruction to the PN’s Mosta councillors to bring forward a motion to hold an urgent meeting to discuss once again the transplanting of the trees.
“Without doubt, we remain in favour of the environment and the importance of trees in our country which are an essential part not just for our environment but also for our health and ecosystem,” Grech said while he visited Mosta square last night.
Grech went on to say that he hopes Mosta’s mayor accepts this request immediately so a discussion can be held as “it is not acceptable for trees to be destroyed”.
These statements came after Moviment Graffiti activists began a protest yesterday morning. The activists physically halted construction vehicles, leading to a scuffle with the police in the afternoon, during which activist Andre Callus was arrested.
This arrest brought in an outpour of solidarity including from politicians as Callus urged people not to target the police but to focus their energy on protesting the decision by Mosta Local Council and ERA.
What do you make of these statements?
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