Malta's environment, culture will be protected through proposed laws - PN
Proposed constitutional amendment will offer 'highest protection' to Maltese culture
The Nationalist Party has sought to quell fears that a proposed environmental protection law could be detrimental to Maltese feasts and other traditions and hobbies.
In a press conference, PN MPs Darren Carabott and Rebekah Borg said the proposed constitutional amendments will offer the highest protection to the environment and Maltese culture.
Parliament is this evening set to debate a proposal by the Opposition to make the protection of the environment a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution.
Carabott said the proposed law will allow people to scrutinise the state's decisions on the environment, regardless of which party is in government.
The PN MP said as part of the consultation process on the proposed law, which began in 2023, the party has met with various NGOs and associations, including the pyrotechnic association.
Hunters and trappers have called the proposals "draconian", claiming it could allow people to file legal challenges to introduce stricter regulations and enforcement, or even to abolish various hobbies, traditions, social customs, sports, recreations and other Maltese practices.
Carabott assured that the proposed will encompass not only protection for the environment, but also Maltese culture.
"This right exists in numerous countries, yet for some reason the government does not want to introduce it," Carabott said.
Fellow MP Rebekah Borg said the proposed right to a clean environment will benefit both current and future generations.
She said this right will protect everything that makes us Maltese, from are environment to our culture.
Borg said people often feel powerless to challenge environmental degradation.
"This law will empower citizens to hold the government accountable. Only the government can breach a fundamental right. We are giving people the power to hold the government responsible for the environment," Borg said.
The MP said the proposal is not about partisan politics, but rather about protecting everything that makes us Maltese