It pays to flout the law in Malta, AD leader says

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola has painted a sardonic image of the state of Maltese society, claiming it “pays to flout the law” in the country.

In a Facebook post, Cassola hit out at a recent planning amnesty and at the Planning Authority’s decision not to revoke the permits of four fish farms, despite widespread illegalities.

“[Planning parliamentary secretary] Deborah Schembri, the new and fresh face of Maltese politics introduced an amnesty for all those who flouted the law when it comes to building offences.

“Meanwhile, the Planning Authority has put off a decision to revoke ten permits issued to fish farms, operating illegally for 11 whole years.

“It pays to flout the laws in Malta, and the honest taxpayer is always the one to lose out.”

The three-year planning amnesty that was launched last month allows people to get full planning permits for construction illegalities that the PA deems don’t harm the safety, convenience or comfort of neighbours and visitors to the area.

Schembri insisted that the amnesty had to be issued as “around three-quarters” of the buildings on the island have some sort of planning illegality, but pledged that the authorities will clamp down on people who break planning laws at the end of the three-year period.

The Planning Authority on Tuesday decided not to revoke the permits of four fish operators despite revelations that half their fish cages were illegal, instead giving them a two-week ultimatum to reach a solution with the authorities.