Environmental Groups Condemn Political Pledges on Hunting Laws
· Updated
In brief
- BirdLife Malta has accused both major political parties of competing to weaken environmental enforcement before the general election.
- The Malta Rangers Group specifically condemned Economy Minister Silvio Schembri's pledge to review illegal hunting penalties.
- Minister Schembri's promise included allowing hunters with previously revoked licences to reapply.
Environmental organisations have raised serious concerns about recent political pledges related to hunting laws, particularly ahead of the upcoming general election. BirdLife Malta has accused both the Labour and Nationalist parties of engaging in a "dangerous political race" to weaken environmental enforcement.
According to BirdLife Malta, this competition involves both major parties making promises that could undermine existing protections. The organisation warned that such actions could have negative consequences for the environment.
Separately, the Malta Rangers Group has strongly condemned a specific pledge made by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri. The Minister reportedly promised hunters that the Labour Party would review penalties for illegal hunting offences.
Minister Schembri's pledge also included a commitment to allow hunters whose licences had been revoked by the courts to reapply for them. This particular promise has drawn significant criticism from the Malta Rangers Group, who view it as an attempt to overturn environmental criminal convictions.
The timing of these pledges, just days before voters head to the polls, has been highlighted by the environmental groups. They suggest that the promises are aimed at garnering support from the hunting community during the election campaign.
Both BirdLife Malta and the Malta Rangers Group are urging political parties to prioritise environmental protection and uphold the rule of law, rather than making concessions that could weaken enforcement against illegal activities.
The Spin Room
Medium media divide. Newsbook reported BirdLife Malta's accusation that both major parties are weakening environmental enforcement, while The Maltese Herald focused on the Malta Rangers Group's condemnation of Economy Minister Silvio Schembri's specific pledges to hunters.
- Newsbook: Emphasised BirdLife Malta's broad accusation against both the Labour and Nationalist parties, highlighting a "dangerous political race" to weaken environmental enforcement.
- The Maltese Herald: Focused on the Malta Rangers Group's specific condemnation of Economy Minister Silvio Schembri's pledge to review illegal hunting penalties and allow hunters with revoked licences to reapply.
Updates
- : Updated with criticism from ADPD, which accused the major parties of sidelining environmental protection, and its proposals for quality tourism and a national trails agency.