Take back Fort Tigné before Portelli gets it, Momentum urges government

Momentum wants the government to block Joseph Portelli’s planned purchase of Fort Tigné from MIDI.

The political party says MIDI’s emphyteutical deed with the government, signed back in 2000 and valid for a 99-year period, prohibits the company from transferring heritage assets to third parties without prior government approval.

“No such approval has been granted,” Momentum noted of the Fort Tigné land transfer, in a statement issued on Sunday morning.

MIDI announced this week that it has entered into a promise of sale agreement with Portelli’s J Portelli Projects Ltd to transfer its Fort Tigné lease to the company for €2.5 million.

Portelli intends to develop the historic fortification into a high-end small hotel.

MIDI told shareholders it intends to use money raised from the property transfer to repay bondholders next year. The company has a €50 million bond that is due in July 2026. It is currently locked in negotiations with the government concerning its Manoel Island lease.

Momentum noted that the government has spent millions of euros to acquire properties for cultural purposes, including €21 million to buy properties hosting band clubs.

“In the same spirit, the Government should immediately allocate €2.5 million to buy back the Tigné Fort emphyteusis. This investment would safeguard heritage, ensure public access, and reinforce Malta’s commitment to protecting national icons,” it said.

Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said the fort should remain in the public domain, for everyone to enjoy.

“If we value our history and community spaces, the Government must act now to secure Fort Tigné as a public asset, not a private hotel,” he said.