Organisations behind the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign held a press conference outside the Planning Authority (PA) to highlight the urgent issues driving this Saturday’s national protest.The location was deliberately chosen to symbolise what campaigners describe as the “rotten planning system” and to draw attention to proposed reforms that would grant the PA unchecked powers above all other institutions.Campaign groups warned that the two draft bills and three legal notices proposed by the Government would dismantle nearly all existing planning safeguards.Bill 143 would allow the PA to amend the Local Plan, including removing areas from the Outside Development Zone (ODZ) or altering building heights, even in sensitive zones such as Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs).According to campaigners, this could trigger a surge of applications from developers seeking new construction land or intensified projects for personal gain. The bill also grants the PA and the Minister additional powers, including issuing policies without public consultation, overriding all other regulations, and reviving expired permits.Bill 144 would restrict the grounds for appealing PA decisions, impose a €5,000 fine on appellants, and give the Tribunal broad authority to modify approved plans. Shockingly, the Court would lose the power to revoke irregularly issued permits.Campaigners say the package effectively serves as a “developer’s wish list,” threatening social equity, quality of life, and environmental protection.The campaign has outlined three key demands:Immediate withdrawal of the draft bills and legal notices, citing fundamental flaws and malicious intent.Suspension of works on PA-approved developments during ongoing appeals, through amendments to current law.Publication of a White Paper to launch a genuine consultation on the broader planning reforms Malta needs.The organisers emphasised that public action is crucial. They urged citizens to join the national protest, “Ġustizzja għal Artna: Irtirawhom Issa!”, on Saturday 4th October at 10am, starting from the Law Courts.Over 45 groups across Malta and Gozo have already endorsed the protest, with both formal and informal organisations invited to participate via email at info@gustizzjartna.org.Campaigners stressed, “We have no other choice. We must stop them.”Will you be joining the protest?Credit: Moviment Graffitti•