Front Harsien ODZ denounces SPED approval as ‘absolutism’

Front Harsien ODZ have criticised the passing of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED) in parliament as “another act of absolutism”.

“We are disappointed at the government’s refusal to listen to civil society by deleting a number of controversial clauses from the SPEF which effectively give 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.”

The SPED, which will replace the 1990 Structure Plan, has been harshly criticised by the Opposition and green NGOs, who have warned that it will allow projects to be constructed in land outside development zones if no “feasible” solution can be found.

The Opposition on Wednesday delayed the SPED vote until 3am, in protest at how the government is “relegating the environment”.

Front Harsien ODZ also called on the government to postpone the parliamentary debate on three bills related to the MEPA demerger until after the conclusion of a four-week public consultation on the Bills.

“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,” FHO said. “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.”