‘Illegal’ Momentum banners replaced by Labour Party messaging

Momentum has condemned the rapid removal of their banners which were replaced by Labour Party banners in multiple locations. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, Momentum described this as “barefaced abuse and discrimination to favour the Labour Party,” which they said was even more shameful since it was done by a public service department, now being used for partisan gain by the government.

The banners had been placed on Sunday night and subsequently removed by workers from the cleansing division on Monday morning.

Cleansing Department Director General Ramon Deguara claimed that the banners were removed because they were illegally placed as the general elections had not been announced. 

“Yet, for weeks, the country has been inundated with illegal billboards widely associated with the Labour Party,” they said. “These were allowed to stand, unchallenged and untouched, across Malta’s roads and public spaces.”

Momentum insisted that this double standard reinforces a dangerous perception that there are two sets of rules in Malta, one for those in power, and another for everyone beneath them.

“The only way real change can happen in our country is if real political change takes place,” Momentum said. “This can be achieved if a third party is elected to Parliament, transforming a system based on political patronage to one which is fair for all.”

“Malta is witnessing tolerance when it suits the government, and swift action when it suits its political interests,” Momentum said, arguing that illegalities should not be tolerated, whether by businesses or political actors.

Momentum Leader Arnold Cassola said he has lodged a police report against Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield for the theft of five Momentum banners in Santa Venera and Marsa by employees of the Cleansing Department, since they fall under his responsibility. 

Momentum Secretary General and candidate on the third and eleventh districts Mark Camileri Gambin expressed his appreciation of the tremendous support the party has received from the public against this “vile” action.

He added that thanks to the generosity of these supporters,  Momentum will now be doubling down its campaign efforts.

“Momentum is here to work for a Real Change (Bidla ta' Vera),” Cassola concluded.