News • 10 November 2002

AD opposes agreement between boathouse owners and ‘spineless’ government

Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green Party, expressed its complete opposition to the agreement between the boathouses lobby and the government.

The Green Party's Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said: "Once more the government is being spineless when dealing with arrogant lobby groups. The government has already defended the interests of the hunting lobby in its negotiations with the European Union. Now the government is also bowing to the arrogance of boathouse owners, who are using their power to blackmail governments with their vote.

"It is damning evidence of a democratic deficit because these arrogant minorities are imposing their will on the majority which is shamelessly abandoned by the government. We cannot stand silent when the government change the rules of the game instead of enforcing the rule of law."

Speaking to MaltaToday, Dr Harry Vassallo said this was a very serious issue, where government and the opposition were showing their weakness in the face of a ‘determined anti-social lobby’.

Dr Vassallo said this lobby was capable of defeating the will of a vast majority of Maltese whose obvious interest is the proper use of public land.

"The solution to the boathouse problem is clear. We have been saying this for thirteen years. These illegal squatters should be evicted and the area should be restored to its natural state. All agricultural land in the area should be protected.

"AD in parliament will not recognise a fait accomplit and is committed to reversing the shameful deal now proposed by government and tacitly blessed by the opposition."