Valletta Protest To Take Place This Saturday Against ‘Land Occupation’ By Tables And Chairs
A protest is being organised by Valletta residents for Saturday at 11am against the “excessive” placement of tables, chairs and other structures on public land by catering outlets.
The protest is being organised by the Residenti Beltin political group and is being supported by Moviment Graffitti.
“The occupation of public spaces in Valletta by tables, chairs and other structures placed on public land by catering outlets has now exceeded all limits,” Graffitti said.
“Despite there being clear policies that are meant to regulate the operation of outdoor catering areas, enforcement is largely non-existent. The authorities concerned, namely the Lands Authority, the Planning Authority and the MTA are clearly not fit for the job.”
“Due to the impunity that reigns in this sector, the owners of catering establishments are running roughshod over the right of residents to public accessibility and a decent quality of life. The Valletta residents are having to bear the brunt of the unbridled commercialisation of their public spaces.”
They warned that the situation in Valletta has become so desperate that ambulances and other emergency vehicles sometimes have to squeeze past tables and chairs to get to people in distress.
“Residents from other localities who are also facing the same problems, including Sliema, Buġibba, Marsaskala and Mellieħa, will be joining us for this protest organised by the Valletta residents,” Graffitti said.
“Our capital city, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an integral part of our collective cultural heritage and must be protected. We therefore encourage you to join us.”
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Graffiti’s announcement comes after Peppi Azzopardi told Lovin Malta that he often stages silent protests by sitting down at outdoor restaurant tables and refusing to order anything. He said that when a restaurant manager confronts him, he tells them that “the table may be theirs but the street belongs to the public”.
Several people praised Azzopardi, including Sandro Mangion, editor of the PL-owned website The Journal.
Will you attend the protest on Saturday?
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