Moviment Graffitti has criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela’s response to the growing call for Manoel Island to be turned into a public park, saying it echoes developer MIDI’s arguments while ignoring legal obligations and public sentiment.
With over 29,000 people backing the petition, the group said Abela’s remarks lacked the public-minded leadership expected of a Prime Minister. While welcoming urban greening efforts like the Birgu Glacis park, Graffitti noted the PM failed to mention MIDI’s contractual deadline to complete works by March 2026 – after which the government has the right to revoke the concession.
They also flagged ongoing negotiations to extend the deadline by up to 10 years, despite MIDI’s limited legal grounds. “Any extension must be granted by this administration. The responsibility is Abela’s,” the group stated.
Responding to Abela’s claim that reclaiming Manoel Island would be “difficult,” Graffitti said: “With that attitude, Malta would still be under feudal rule.”
They urged the Prime Minister to act in the public’s interest and use the tools within the contract to secure Manoel Island as a green space for future generations.
Newsroom
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