Fake Outrage, Real Agenda: How Malta’s NGOs Became the PN’s Attack Dogs
A Coordinated Attack Dressed as Concern
As Malta moves forward with much-needed reforms in the Planning sector, a suspiciously coordinated uproar has erupted — not just from the usual suspects in the Nationalist Party, but from their loudest echo chamber: so-called “independent” NGOs.
These same organisations that proudly claim to defend democracy and public interest have now taken up arms against the government with the same venom and spin we’ve come to expect from Bernard Grech’s PN. Let’s not pretend: this is no grassroots movement. It’s a political operation masquerading as civic engagement.
A Reform That Terrifies the Gatekeepers
The amendments introduced by the Labour Government are not only legal and constitutional — they are necessary. They target long-standing inefficiencies, abuse, and delays in the planning appeal process, and seek to restore clarity and trust in a system that has long been manipulated by elite interests.
And that’s precisely what terrifies these NGOs. They’re not defending “citizen rights” — they’re defending their own influence. Influence they’ve long used to obstruct development, stall progress, and impose their will under the guise of procedure.
Andre Callus – Graffitti
The Hypocrisy Is Blinding
Where were these NGOs when the planning system was being abused for decades under PN governments?
Where was this outrage when permits were granted to friends of the Nationalist Party behind closed doors?
Why were they silent then, yet suddenly on fire with rage now?
Their credibility is in shambles. They’ve lost the moral high ground by aligning themselves with the same establishment they once claimed to challenge. They are no longer watchdogs — they are attack dogs on a leash held by the Nationalist Party.
The People See Through the Noise
The Labour Government was elected to fix broken systems — and that includes a planning regime hijacked by procedural gridlock and partisan activism. No amount of NGO theatrics or press conferences coordinated with Repubblika and Peppi Azzopardi will derail that mission.
These “activists” may dominate media headlines for now, but they don’t speak for the silent majority who demand progress, fairness, and integrity in how Malta is built.
Repubblika’s hypocrisy — quick to moralise, but conveniently mute when caught enabling political stunts.
Enough with the Deception
If these NGOs want to play politics, then let them declare themselves political. Let them register as lobbyists for the PN. Let them stop hiding behind hollow phrases like “civil society” while they wage partisan warfare.
Because the truth is now undeniable: they are not guardians of democracy.
They are guardians of the status quo — and foot soldiers for the Party of No.
3 Comments
Neville, even in the PL ranks, there are those who think this “reform” stinks.
Why are we regulating illegalities of the past and giving space to illegality and still keeping loop holes?
The NGOs are right, and it is the Labour Government that had to change course and now claims to be open to consultation. The proposed bills are a real pastażata kbira!! These should be withdrawn with immediate effect, and a thorough discussion with all concerned parties should commence immediately. It is clear that the government has been isolated and is the only voice in favour, besides the developers!!!! These proposed bills are a real shame on all members of the cabinet, who seem to be spineless when confronted with an issue that, from the outset, looks controversial!!!. Only one MP and the Party President had the courage to speak publicly!!! Shame!!!
As if no Opposition will hang on pressure groups and vice versa.
The issue here is not a political issue but a national issue and political parties in government try to dilute it as if to win support from their loyalists.
Those who are educated enough will not bite the bait and move away from the sympathetic factor.
I don’t vote for those who preach one thing and act a different thing.