Prime Minister Robert Abela has stated that the government cannot simply revoke the long-standing Manoel Island concession, despite growing public pressure to transform the area into a national park.

Abela said during an interview that although over 29,000 people have signed a petition calling for the site to be returned to the public, the concession granted to the Midi consortium 25 years ago remains legally binding.

The development deadline expired in March 2023, prompting campaigners to question whether the land could now be reclaimed.

However, Abela stressed that scrapping the agreement outright would risk severe consequences, including losses for around 5,000 small investors and bondholders.

Abela said that he will be meeting with and listening to everyone.

He suggested a sustainable tourism project that honours the existing concession while ensuring most of the island remains green and publicly accessible.

He revealed that 60% of the land is already earmarked for open space, and 20% for the restoration of historical sites.

Abela described the €150 million investment by the private sector as a model for attracting quality tourism.

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