Residents’ groups frustrated at public encroachments want meeting with PM

Moviment Graffitti and resident groups demanding an end to private business encroachments on public walkways said they will be calling the Prime Minister’s bluff over his declaration that a balance had to be struck on restaurant tables and chairs blocking pavements and public places.

“We have written to you several times, we have sent our proposals by email, we have held protests and actions and we were never acknowledged by you or your ministers. Now you say that citizens know they can trust your government and that a solution has to be found. After countless sleepless nights, blocked pavements and disfigured towns, you tell us that you are listening,” the residents said.

The residents of Sliema, Valletta, Marsaskala, Mellieħa, San Pawl il-Baħar, Kottonera, Marsaxlokk and Rabat Gozo have set out demands as part of the campaign ‘Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini’.

They want a review of laws on establishments operating in public spaces, transparency on permits, and a right of action for residents to fight against abuse and ensure serious enforcement.

“If the Prime Minister is serious about it, the residents demand he set a meeting with them within a week to discuss this issue. In light of recent reports of bullying and intimidating threats by restaurant owners towards residents who have spoken out, the urgency of the matter is even more evident,” Moviment Graffitti said.

“If we don’t hear from you with a definite date set for a meeting within this time, we’ll know that you are bluffing once again. Residents all over Malta and Gozo are watching and waiting.”

Prime Minister Robert Abela has previously said that a balance must be reached between the needs of businesses and the rights of citizens to walk freely in streets. “There are different perspectives by different people, people who themselves say that they have the right to a free passage to walk on, but at the same time, they have the right to stop for a meal or a coffee. There is this debate which is conflicting, and we must harmonise them,” Abela said, taking Valletta as an example, particularly Merchants’ Street and Republic Street.