Prime Minister Robert Abela has expressed a “reasonable basis” for the Manoel Island deal with MIDI, sparking criticism from activists behind the Manoel Island campaign. The activists claim Abela’s response repeats MIDI’s rhetoric and fails to acknowledge key elements of the contract. According to the activists, the agreement includes a clause requiring substantial completion of the project by March 2026, and if this deadline isn’t met, the government has the right to revoke the concession.
Abela’s stance has been met with disapproval from campaigners, who argue that the government has a mandate to enter negotiations with MIDI to reclaim the site for public benefit. They also point out that the deal was approved unanimously in Parliament, despite being granted under a previous administration. The activists are pushing for Manoel Island to become a national park, and Abela’s comments have done little to alleviate their concerns.
The controversy highlights the complexities surrounding the MIDI deal and the need for clarity on the project’s future. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will proceed with the Manoel Island development project.
