Moviment Graffitti and Friends of the Earth Malta activists have staged a direct action during a conference in St Julian’s, wearing pig masks and holding placards reading “Korrotti Barra” and “Naddfu l-Ħmieġ” as they called for Planning Authority CEO Johann Buttigieg’s removal.The action took place during a conference titled The Citizen, the Environment and Development, where Buttigieg was participating in a discussion on citizens’ rights in development.Security personnel attempted to stop the action as activists protested inside the venue, with Planning Minister Jonathan Attard ultimately leaving the stage.The two organisations said the action was intended to deliver a clear message that Buttigieg should be removed as Planning Authority CEO and barred from holding other public office. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)Their protest follows recent reporting about Buttigieg’s communications with businessman Yorgen Fenech and his ownership of a planning and architecture consultancy while heading the Planning Authority. A coalition of 11 organisations has separately called for Buttigieg’s removal and an independent investigation into his dealings.Moviment Graffitti and Friends of the Earth Malta claimed it was particularly significant that the conference was being held at db Group’s hotel in St Julian’s, while criticising what they described as the absence of citizens and environmental organisations from the event.The activists accused Buttigieg of lacking the legitimacy to speak on citizens’ rights and the environment and called on the government to take action over the allegations surrounding him.Buttigieg has faced mounting calls for his removal in recent weeks following the publication of chats between him and Fenech. Environmental organisations and residents’ groups are among those to have called for him to step down or be removed.The organisations said today’s action would be followed by a protest on Saturday 26th September at 10am, where they and other groups will reiterate their calls for Buttigieg’s removal and for greater integrity in Malta’s planning system.•