Prime Minister’s claims on Marsaskala ferry studies are demonstrably false

Momentum expresses its grave concern following today’s statements made by Prime Minister Robert Abela regarding the proposed fast ferry terminal in Marsaskala. During a recent media exchange with Newsbook journalists, the Prime Minister claimed that “all necessary studies” for the project had been completed.

Momentum wishes to remind the public that this statement is entirely detached from reality. Just last month, the Environment and Resources Authority publicly confirmed its decision to exempt the Marsaskala ferry landing from a full Environmental Impact Assessment. By waiving this essential requirement, the government has discarded all forms of environmental scrutiny.

Momentum and concerned residents have spent months attempting to gain access to whatever “studies” the Prime Minister claims exist. These efforts, made through repeated Freedom of Information requests and subsequent formal complaints, have been met with silence or rejection. If these studies were indeed completed and supported the project’s viability, there would be no reason for the government to hide them from the public.

This lack of transparency is a direct affront to the residents of Marsaskala, who are being forced to watch their bay be transformed without being shown any evidence backing up any plans.

Mark Camilleri Gambin, General Secretary of Momentum and candidate on the 3rd and 11th Districts, stated: “The Prime Minister is effectively gaslighting the people of Marsaskala. It is one thing to push forward with a controversial project, but it is quite another to look residents in the eye and claim all studies are done when his own authorities have waived the EIA requirements. 

We have asked for these documents repeatedly and have been ignored. This is a total collapse of good governance and respect for the truth. If the reports exist, the Prime Minister should publish them today. If he cannot, he must be held accountable for misleading the public.”

Momentum remains committed to a more beautiful Malta where all development is guided by transparency and scientific rigour rather than political convenience. We will continue to stand with the residents of Marsaskala in demanding the truth about the future of their bay.

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