Parliamentary Committee Unanimously Approves €42.3 Million Payout for Manoel Island

2026-03-24T20:01:02.798+00:00 · Updated 2026-03-26T11:03:46.545+00:00

A resolution paving the way for a €42.3 million payment to MIDI plc for Manoel Island has been unanimously approved by Parliament’s National Audit Office Accounts Committee. This decision means that the Nationalist Party (PN) joined the Labour government in backing the deal.

Financial analysts have described this payment as a taxpayer-funded “bailout” for the private developer. The resolution's approval by both major parties highlights a rare consensus on a significant financial matter.

Further details emerging from a “strictly confidential” report, commissioned for the Lands Authority earlier this year, reveal that the costs taxpayers are expected to cover extend beyond basic restoration. These include expenses for public relations, branding, consultants, and travel.

This €42.3 million figure is reported to be significantly higher than the restoration costs previously mentioned by Prime Minister Robert Abela. The discrepancy raises questions about the full scope of the agreement and the financial burden on the public.

The deal involves the return of Manoel Island to public hands, but the terms of the financial settlement have drawn scrutiny regarding transparency and the extent of taxpayer contribution to a private entity.

Parliament has formally backed the agreement concerning the return of Manoel Island, following its approval by a parliamentary committee. This agreement involves a payment of €42.3 million to MIDI plc.

The Culture Minister stated that the negotiations with MIDI began with a significantly higher initial request from the company, amounting to €84 million. The final agreed sum of €42.3 million was reached after discussions.

Earlier reports indicated that the payment to MIDI plc was unanimously approved by a parliamentary committee, with support from both the Labour government and the Nationalist Party. The payout is understood to cover various costs, including restoration, public relations, and branding.

The concession agreement for Manoel Island is reportedly moving closer to its termination. This development follows the recent unanimous approval by a parliamentary committee of a €42.3 million payout to MIDI plc, the company holding the concession.

The termination of the concession aims to address the ongoing concerns and disputes regarding the development of Manoel Island. The payout was approved with support from both the government and the opposition, signalling a broad consensus on resolving the matter.

Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on a parliamentary committee approving a €42.3 million payout for Manoel Island. Since then, the Maltese Parliament has now unanimously approved a resolution to partially end the emphyteutical concession covering Manoel Island and part of Fort Tigné.

This final approval comes after years of negotiations between the Government and MIDI plc. The agreement involves a payment of €47.3 million, which is intended to clear the way for Manoel Island to be restored and made accessible for public use.

The unanimous vote in Parliament signifies broad political support for the deal, which aims to return the historic island to the public domain.

Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on the parliamentary committee's approval of a payment to MIDI plc for Manoel Island. Since then, the Culture Minister has provided further details regarding the negotiations.

The Minister revealed that MIDI plc had initially requested €84 million for the agreement. This figure is significantly higher than the €43 million that Parliament recently backed for the return of Manoel Island for public use.

Further details have emerged regarding the agreement for Manoel Island to return to public use. While a parliamentary committee recently approved a €42.3 million payment to MIDI plc, one news outlet, Newsbook, reported a 'final offer' of €47.3 million. This presents a discrepancy in the reported figures for the deal.

Reports from The Shift News indicate that the €42.3 million payout includes various expenses beyond restoration, such as costs for public relations, branding, consultants, and travel. The outlet has described the deal as a 'bailout' for the private developer.

According to The Shift News, the amount taxpayers are set to pay is more than three times the restoration costs that were previously cited by Prime Minister Robert Abela. The unanimous parliamentary vote, which saw the Nationalist Party join the Labour government in supporting the resolution, has been highlighted by critics who question the extent of the taxpayer contribution.