‘Johann Buttigieg must go, now’: Momentum backs conference protest

Momentum praised young activists who disrupted a development conference to demand the removal of Planning Authority CEO Johann Buttigieg.

On Thursday, activists wearing pig masks and carrying signs reading “Out with the corrupt” and “Clean up the dirt” took to the stage at a private event that was closed to the public.

The conference, hosted at a DB Group hotel in St Julian’s, featured discussions involving Planning Minister Jonathan Attard and Buttigieg on citizens’ rights in development.

The meeting was briefly paused after the activists took over the stage.

“Many are pigging out at the expense of our country, our taxes and our environment that cannot be replaced, and furthermore insulting our intelligence while they do it,” Momentum said.

“Johann Buttigieg must go, now.”

Momentum described Buttigieg’s participation in the conference as "ironic," claiming that the PA CEO has often pushed developers’ interests over those of citizens.

Momentum member Katya Compagno also questioned how citizens were being represented at a conference that did not invite environmental organisations to participate.

“Thanks to these activists, the voice of our young people and their concerns were represented. They did what most only complain about. Few are courageous, and they chose courage,” Compagno said.

“The discomfort shown by those present at the conference and the lowered faces around the minister spoke volumes. These young activists exercised their freedom of expression, a right that must always be respected.”

Buttigieg has faced mounting calls to resign from citizens and organisations following the publication of chats between him and business tycoon Yorgen Fenech.

The chats showed Buttigieg discussing business opportunities with Fenech while in office and offering to enter into business with him.

After the event, Buttigieg could not offer an explanation to MaltaToday for his actions when he told Yorgen Fenech they should “do business together,” but stated that “in hindsight," he wouldn't make that comment again.

Yorgen Fenech was suspected of being the mastermind behind Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder before being acquitted by a jury.

Pressure intensified after it emerged that Buttigieg owns a private planning consultancy firm, which Momentum said creates a “huge” conflict of interest.

Compagno went on to argue that young people are paying the price for what she described as a corrupt political system working with developers at the expense of residents’ quality of life.

She pointed to difficulties surrounding employment, rent and home ownership, while describing life amid concrete and construction as increasingly becoming the norm for Malta’s younger generations.

“Silence will only make it worse,” she warned. “Being passive leads to doom.”

Momentum concluded by urging people to follow the activists’ example and attend the party’s press conference on Saturday, 26 September at 10am outside the Planning Authority premises in Floriana.