Planning Appeals Reform To Be Presented In Parliament In First 100 Days, Says PM

Planning appeals reform will be presented to Parliament within the first 100 days of the new legislature, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced, revealing that the draft legislation is in its final stages following consultations with stakeholders.

Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta, Abela said the proposed law will introduce three key changes. Under the new system, works on a development will only be allowed to begin once all stages of the appeals process have been concluded.

Appeal procedures will also be subject to shorter, fixed timeframes, while applicants whose permits are overturned by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal will have their expenses refunded.

The Prime Minister also used the interview to defend the Government's economic record, describing it as "the guarantee of the future".

He said Malta continues to outperform other European Union member states in employment and economic growth, attributing this to the Government's economic management and its decision not to introduce austerity measures.

He also pledged to keep subsidies in place to maintain stable gas, fuel and electricity prices.

Abela said the Government remains committed to implementing the entire Int Malta electoral manifesto, adding that the next Budget will include further measures aimed at strengthening confidence in the economy and supporting job creation.

He also said the Labour Migration Policy is producing results, noting that Malta recorded its second-lowest net balance of foreign workers since 2017.

Looking ahead, he highlighted continued investment in transport infrastructure, sea transport links, public transport electrification and studies into mass transit, while reiterating commitments including the Super Bonus for workers and support towards therapy costs for children with neurodivergent conditions.

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