Moviment Graffitti Calls For Lunchtime Protest To Reclaim Public Spaces In Valletta This Sunday
Moviment Graffitti, in collaboration with several residents’ groups, is inviting the public to join them for a lunchtime protest in Valletta this Sunday.
The protest named Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini!, aims to denounce the abusive occupation of public spaces by commercial establishments, which are taking over Malta’s pavements, squares, streets, and beaches with excessive tables, chairs, and structures.
The protest will kick off at 12:15pm on Merchants Street, near the MUŻA museum.
Despite repeated promises from the government to curb the rampant encroachment of public spaces by businesses, Moviment Graffitti claims that little has been done.
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The result, it argues, is that public areas are becoming increasingly inaccessible, compromising the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
This protest follows the launch of the Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini campaign five months ago, aimed at drawing attention to the takeover of public land by commercial entities.
According to the movement, the streets of Valletta have become an obstacle course, with public access and safety significantly reduced.
Local residents’ groups from some of the most affected areas have been calling for stronger laws, effective enforcement, and more transparency in the issuance of encroachment permits.
However, these requests have largely been ignored by authorities, with repeated calls for meetings with the Prime Minister remaining unanswered.
The organisers are calling for urgent action and are hoping the protest will push the government to listen and take concrete steps to address the issue.
For more details and to view their full list of proposals, visit their site www.ilbankinitaccittadini.org
The participating residents’ groups are the following:
– Sliema Residents Association
– Residenti Beltin
– Marsaskala Residents Network
– Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura
– Residenti Melliħin
– Residenti San Pawl il-Baħar
– Marsaxlokk Heritage Group
Will you be joining the protest to reclaim Malta’s public spaces?
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