In an interview today with the Labour Party’s TV host, Simone Cini, the Prime Minister said that he is paying attention to the 29,000 people who signed a petition to turn Manoel Island into a public park, but has proposed no changes to the Manoel Island project. The Prime Minister also cited the 5,000 investors and bondholders who invested in the project and said that their rights also have to be guaranteed. He also added that he can’t cancel the concession especially after it was approved by Parliament.
The Prime Minister blamed the previous Nationalist administration for awarding public land concessions, saying that, if granted today, would have sparked street protests. He also stated that up to 60% of Manoel Island will remain open to the public, with an additional 20% of the islet covered by historic buildings to be restored by the concessionaires, MIDI.
Signatories to the letter are arguing that the Prime Minister can chose to compensate investors and bondholders to return back the island to the public.
The Nationalist Party has been criticised for taking a position on Manoel Island similar to that of the government. The Green Party, ADPD is supporting the petition, along with Momentum, and some rebel PN MPs that include Albert Buttigieg, Claudette Baldacchino, Darren Carabott and Rebekah Borg. Labour Party President, Alex Sciberras, is calling for the Party to change its policy on public land-deals after also signing the petition.
Newsroom
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