The government was riding roughshod over civil society to impose its pro-development agenda on the country, Front Harsien ODZ said.

The front expressed its disappointment at the government’s refusal to listen to civil society by deleting a number of controversial clauses from the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development which effectively gave it (the government) arbitrary powers to allow ODZ development.

“This is a clear case where an absolutist government is riding roughshod over civil society to impose its pro-development agenda on the country. The government clearly chose to ignore the unanimous consensus among environmental NGOs against these clauses which unfortunately weaken environmental protection in Malta.

“Moreover this government not have an electoral mandate to allow more ODZ development.”

With regards to the three bills related to the Mepa demerger, currently being discussed in parliament, Front Harsien ODZ acknowledged that the government had an electoral mandate to split the authority.

However, it expressed its disappointment that the government had not heeded civil society’s call for a postponment of debate on the bills to after the summer recess.

“The bills have profound implications on the protection of ODZ because of the removal of the sixth schedule which bans Mepa from legalising illegal ODZ development and the way planning decisions are taken.

“The least civil society can expect is that parliamentary debate takes place after the conclusion of public consultation. It does not make sense to have a debate in parliament before NGOs submit their proposals,” the front said.