Left-wing think-tank Zminijietna has called on the government to take action for a more accountable, consistent and democratic MEPA.
“MEPA is too far away from common citizens, who are frequently voiceless when they want to speak up on particular issues.
“MEPA is characterised by ideology and political interference which are too much in favour of unsustainable development. We cannot accept that big developers are privileged over common citizens. Nor can we accept that MEPA boards frequently ignore advice of MEPA’s own experts and of civil society representatives,” spokesperson David Pisani said.
“There should be wider representation of civil society on MEPA boards, through the representation on NGOs, local councils and other organisations, together with representatives of the government. We also appeal that MEPA uses more representative and scientific methods in its studies, whereby social and ecological impacts are given the importance they deserve.”