Capitainerie case shows government complicit in undermining the courts - PN
The permit for the structure was annulled by the courts, but an application has been filed for sanctioning
The government was being complicit in undermining court judgments when it backed an application last week for the sanctioning of the half-built Capitainerie at Ta’ Xbiex marina despite a court having previously annulled the development permit, the Nationalist Party said.
The new application (PA/3664/25), filed by Gardens Marina Ltd and architect Ray Demicoli, seeks to sanction the half-built structure, reconfigure the parking area, embellish the surroundings, and introduce two structures: a 162-square-metre cafeteria and a 163-square-metre office. The only noticeable difference is that the original permit proposed a restaurant instead of a cafeteria.
The application included a document from the Lands Authority granting the applicant permission to carry out the proposed development.
The PN said that this was another example of how the Labour government was led by the nose by the interests of the few, rather than by the public interest.
"Instead of withdrawing its consent for this development, respecting the court ruling, and ensuring that public land is restored for public use, the Planning Authority – with the approval of the Lands Authority – has accepted an application that attempts to bypass the court’s decision to annul the permit. The new application causes the same damage to this open space and is essentially identical to the previous one, save for a change of applicant names, architect, and the substitution of a café in place of a restaurant," the PN said.
The government, it said, was being complicit in undermining court judgments. This not only eroded trust in a fair and transparent process but also confirmed that the government was intent on depriving citizens of the protection offered by the courts.
The PN recalled the recommendations of the public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, which highlighted the urgent need for institutions with real accountability to safeguard the public interest.
"Instead, the Lands Authority has given its consent to an application that runs contrary to this very interest. The Lands Authority must fulfil its duty and refrain from being part of a cover-up that legitimises illegalities," the party insisted.
Ta’ Xbiex promenade should be restored for families, rather than exploited for the commercial interests of a few.
The statement was signed by Stanley Zammit, shadow minister for planning and lands and Rebekah Borg, shadow minister for the environment.