Momentum sets out 5 manifesto commitments
Momentum has today launched another set of proposals from its 2026 manifesto, setting out five commitments that voters will not find on the manifestos of PL and PN.
“Both parties have had decades to fix these problems,” said Dr Alastair Farrugia, candidate for Momentum in the 4th and 5th Districts. “They have chosen not to. Momentum is the only political party promising a real change from decades of damage to our environment, our health, and our quality of life.”
If Momentum gets the trust of voters to represent it in the next Parliament, these are 5 of the proposals we want to work on.
1. A two-year moratorium on high-rise permits
Momentum will propose an immediate two-year moratorium on all new permits for buildings of ten floors or above. Malta’s skyline is being reshaped by developments approved without any serious consideration of their impact on communities, infrastructure, heritage, or quality of life. The moratorium is not a permanent ban. It is a breathing space to assess the damage, develop proper planning criteria, and ensure no further permits are issued until a credible national framework is in place.
2. Independent annual audits of all elected officials’ assets
Under Momentum’s proposed Public Integrity Act, the National Audit Office will examine every elected official’s assets within 90 days of taking office and every year thereafter. Currently, politicians declare their own wealth with no independent checking.
3. A tax on second vacant properties
Momentum will work to introduce a vacant property tax, applying from the second vacant residential property onwards. Empty homes push prices up and lock people out of the market. Revenue from the tax will be ring-fenced for social housing. Families with a second home or summer residence are fully exempt. So are those having ten properties, e.g., so long as nine of them are occupied.
4. A stronger Freedom of Information law
The Open Malta Act will replace the current Freedom of Information law. The government will be required to publish information by default, not wait for someone to ask. A minister’s power to veto the release of information will be removed and officials who delay or block requests will face daily fines. The deadline for responses will be set at 15 working days.
5. An independent Planning Authority, free from conflicts of interest
The Planning Authority has lost all credibility. It is widely seen as a tool that favours developers over residents and the environment. Momentum will work to completely rebuild it with independent planning experts who have no conflicts of interest.
There is hope, you can help!
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