‘Vote Owen, get George’ – NGO questions Nigret mega development

In the heart of Malta’s bustling capital, Valletta, a controversial development project is stirring up a storm. The Nigret project, a brainchild of developer Joe Portelli, is set to transform a large chunk of the city’s historic core. But it’s not the scale of the project that’s got tongues wagging, it’s the political connections and alleged sweetheart deals that have an NGO crying foul.

From Nigret to Portelli: A political web

The Nigret project, named after the historic area it’s set to replace, is a massive mixed-use development. It includes residential units, offices, retail spaces, and even a five-star hotel. But it’s the political connections that have made this project a hot topic in Malta’s political scene. Joe Portelli, the developer, is no stranger to politics. He’s a former Nationalist Party MP and a close ally of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Now, he’s a key financer of the current Opposition Leader, Bernard Grech.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Grech, who leads the Nationalist Party, is also the MP for Valletta. And it’s his party that’s in power in the local council, which has to give the final say on the Nigret project. The Opposition Labour Party has cried conflict of interest, arguing that Grech should recuse himself from any decision-making process related to the project.

NGO raises red flags

But it’s not just the political connections that have got people talking. An NGO, Repubblika, has raised serious concerns about the project. They argue that the Nigret project is a classic case of ‘Vote Owen, get George’. In other words, vote for the Nationalist Party (whose symbol is an owl, ‘owen’ in Maltese), and you’ll get a massive development project like Nigret. The NGO alleges that the project was approved in a rushed manner, with the public consultation process being a sham.

“We’re not against development,” says Repubblika’s spokesperson, “But we’re against development that’s done in a opaque manner, that favours the few at the expense of the many, and that undermines our historic heritage.” The NGO has even filed a court case against the project, arguing that the public consultation process was flawed.

Heritage concerns and a looming election

The Nigret project isn’t just about politics. It’s also about heritage. The area earmarked for development is rich in history, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. The NGO argues that the project will lead to the destruction of these historic buildings, replacing them with modern, high-rise structures. They fear that this will change the character of Valletta forever.

Adding to the mix is the upcoming general election. With the Nationalist Party in power in Valletta, and the Labour Party in power nationally, the Nigret project has become a hot-button issue. The Labour Party has promised to review the project if they win the election, while the Nationalist Party has accused them of playing politics with Valletta’s future.

As the election approaches, and the court case against the Nigret project continues, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about a development project. It’s about politics, heritage, and the future of Malta’s capital city.