MIDI says it had proposed Fort Tigné return to government
The MIDI consortium said on Tuesday it had held discussions about returning Fort Tigné to the government before seeking private investors, as controversy grew over plans to transfer the historic site to developer Joseph Portelli. The statement came hours after Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government opposed the proposed deal, describing the prospect of a hotel inside the fort as “obscene”. MIDI confirmed that it had entered into a promise of sale with J Portelli Projects Ltd to transfer the remaining 75 years of its lease for €2.5 million. The consortium said the disposal formed part of efforts to raise funds to redeem a €50 million bond due in July 2026. Any sale of the fort remains subject to government consent and other conditions. (Times of Malta)
€25m funding pledged for Puttinu holistic care centre in Mosta
The government will coordinate €25 million in funding for a new Holistic Care Centre for Children and Families in Mosta, a project to be led by Puttinu Cares. The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and Puttinu president Angele Cuschieri. The funding will cover construction costs and the centre’s operation for its first five years. Financing will come mainly from philanthropic donations linked to the Citizenship by Merit framework, alongside support from the Social Causes Fund. The centre will provide psychological care, therapy, educational services and family support in a home-like environment, assisting children facing serious illness and families coping with trauma or bereavement. (The Malta Independent)
Malta flagged in press freedom report after attack on journalist
Malta has been placed under monitoring by an international press freedom organisation following a personal attack by Jason Micallef on a Newsbook Malta journalist. Micallef, chairperson of the Ta’ Qali National Park, targeted journalist Christine Mamo after she reported on the lack of grass growth at a picnic area despite a €311,000 project awarded by direct order. The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, together with the Media and Journalism Research Center, classified the comments as a verbal attack on a journalist and a woman. The incident was recorded on an international monitoring platform, with the organisations expressing concern about press freedom in Malta, particularly when journalists scrutinise public projects and the use of taxpayers’ money. (Newsbook)
