Imagine this: a brand-new ambassador, barely a week into their post, picks up the phone and issues a direct order to a company part-owned by their partner. This isn’t a scene from a spy thriller, but a real-life situation unfolding right here in Malta. The company in question? Malta Marinas Ltd, a joint venture between the Maltese government and Grand Harbour Marina, a company part-owned by the new ambassador’s partner.

The new ambassador, hailing from a country known for its diplomatic prowess, has wasted no time in making their mark. Sources close to the situation reveal that the diplomat, barely settled into their official residence in St. Anton Lane, Ta’ Xbiex, has already picked up the phone to issue a directive to Malta Marinas Ltd. The nature of the order? That’s where things get interesting.

The order, according to our sources, revolves around a sensitive environmental issue. The ambassador’s partner, a prominent figure in the local business scene, has significant stakes in a development project that’s been causing quite a stir among environmental activists. The project, a luxury marina development in the picturesque Marsaxlokk bay, has been accused of ignoring environmental concerns and overstepping its boundaries.

Marsaxlokk, known for its vibrant fishing village and the largest natural harbour in Malta, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate between sustainable development and environmental preservation. The proposed marina development, with its promise of jobs and tourism revenue, has its supporters. But it also has its critics, who argue that the project’s scale and location threaten the very ecosystem that draws visitors to Malta’s southern coast.

The new ambassador’s order, it seems, is aimed at pushing the project forward, despite these concerns. The directive, according to our sources, urges Malta Marinas Ltd to expedite the project, with a specific focus on overcoming environmental hurdles. This has raised eyebrows among local environmental groups, who question the ambassador’s impartiality, given their partner’s vested interest in the project.

Diplomatic immunity is a sensitive issue, and it’s important to note that the ambassador’s actions may not necessarily violate international law. However, the perception of a conflict of interest is real, and it’s not lost on local observers. The question on everyone’s lips is whether the new envoy’s directive is a legitimate exercise of diplomatic influence, or a case of using office for personal gain.

Hot Malta reached out to the Maltese Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment, but at the time of publication, we had not received a response. We also attempted to contact the ambassador’s office, but our calls went unanswered.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Malta’s diplomatic community is abuzz with whispers, and the local business scene is watching closely. The new ambassador’s order has set the stage for a high-stakes drama, playing out against the backdrop of Malta’s picturesque coastline and the ever-present tension between progress and preservation.