Momentum proposals: Protecting Malta’s Coastline and Public Beaches

Malta’s coastline belongs to everyone. That is not a slogan. It is the law. Yet across the islands, public beaches are quietly handed over to well-connected operators, access to the shore is blocked or restricted, and even protected Natura 2000 sites face pressure from commercial interests. Today, Momentum is announcing three proposals to defend the Maltese coastline from privatisation, exploitation, and environmental destruction.

Strictly protect Comino as a Natura 2000 site with no commercial development whatsoever

Comino is one of the last unspoilt places in the Maltese islands. It is a protected Natura 2000 site, home to unique biodiversity, pristine marine habitats, and natural beauty that cannot be replaced once it is gone. Despite this, commercial interests continue to push for development on the island. Momentum in Parliament will push for the absolute protection of Comino from any form of commercial development. No hotels. No private pools. No restaurants or spas. No expanded berthing facilities. Comino must remain untouched for future generations. There is no compromise on this.

Ensure free public access to every part of the Maltese coastline as guaranteed by public domain law

Public domain law is clear: every corner of Malta’s coast must remain accessible to all citizens. In practice, this right is routinely violated. Private operators block pathways. Fences go up where they should not. Stretches of shoreline are treated as the exclusive property of those who can afford to pay. Momentum in Parliament will push for the strict enforcement of public domain law so that no part of Malta’s coastline is stolen from the public. The coast does not belong to developers, concession holders, or politicians who look the other way. It belongs to the people.

Reform beach concessions through impartial, transparent, EU-compliant selection procedures

Too many of Malta’s public beaches have ended up in the hands of the same well-connected few, through opaque processes and cosy deals that lock out ordinary citizens. This is not how public assets should be managed. Momentum in Parliament will push for beach concessions to be awarded through impartial and transparent selection procedures that comply with EU policies. Every concession must be subject to open competition, clear criteria, and public accountability. The era of handing out public beaches as political favours must end.

“Malta’s coastline is not a commodity to be carved up and sold off to the highest bidder. It is a public good, protected by law, and it belongs to every citizen equally,” said Graziella Spiteri Momentum’s Executive member.. “What we are seeing instead is a system where access to the sea depends on who you know and what you can afford. That is not acceptable in a European democracy. We will protect Comino, enforce the public’s right to the coast, and clean up the concession system from top to bottom.”

You can find all proposals from our Manifesto, in both Maltese and in English, on the new website BidlaTaVera.com

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