Both the street and farmers’ markets will be altered under the Government’s spending plans.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna confirmed the relocation of Valletta’s monti from Merchants Street to Ordnance Street next year.

The 74 hawkers had entered into discussions with the Government early this year, asking to move towards the centre of the capital.

The minister said that the relocation will benefit both the hawkers and consumers by making the flea market more accessible and breathe more life into the business.

“We will insist on the uniformity of stands and cleanliness. Whoever does not keep to the agreed standards will risk losing his licence.”

Prof. Scicluna did not mention a date, nor did he address concerns that had arisen earlier this year that the narrow street would not be able to accommodate all the stalls, resulting in a potential spill across to the new Parliament building up to Victory Square.

Next year, the Government will also be starting the reform of the farmers’ market, both on a structural and on an operative level.

“The farmers’ market has been abandoned for many years, with the last work on it being done during a Labour Government.”

The Government is working towards a graded system for fruit and vegetables to guarantee both farmers and consumers quality and a fair price.