‘The Prime Puppet Of Developers’ – Moviment Graffitti Holds Mock Award Ceremony For Prime Minister
Moviment Graffitti held a mock ceremony in front of the Maltese Parliament for the “Prime Puppet of Developers,” and awarded the “prestigious prize” to Prime Minister Robert Abela.
The demonstration was in reference to the ongoing dispute regarding the Villa Rosa project, in which developers have been granted upscaling permission despite the requests breaching regulations.
The prize that was intended to be handed to the Prime Minister, was a makeshift puppet showing his likeness, with limbs held up by strings, standing atop a base labelled with the award title.
“It is our great pleasure to announce that the Prime Minister has been selected to receive this prestigious prize in recognition of his loyal service to developers in our country,” the NGO said in an official statement, “Among the many distinctive qualities that make him the indubitable winner, the way he bends over backwards to appease those pulling his strings and employs mental gymnastics to justify his decisions are among the most obvious.”
The statement from the ceremony, listed factors that “won points” for Abela in the “competition.” Graffitti stated that the Prime Minister’s unkept promise to introduce a reform in development appeals, in turn allowing developers to continue building while an appeal is still ongoing.
Furthermore, the NGO commended Abela for “allowing the Planning Authority to ignore the Court’s decisions and issue permits for illegal buildings,” in reference to the requests by developer Anton Camilleri, known as Tal-Franċiż, to drastically change the Local Plans.
Earlier in the evening, as Abela entered the facilities, he was met by cheers and praise from the attendees, shouting “Grazzi Prim!” and “Thank you for shifting the law for Tal-Franċiż,” with some even attempting to hand him the prize, before being blocked by security.
This is not the group’s first demonstration related to this controversial issue as just last week they interrupted the 2024 Budget to protest with masks and a banner.
Graffitti closed by expressing their gratitude to be able to “confer this Award to the Prime Puppet of Developers” and share their hope that Abela was “just as enthusiastic to receive it.”
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