The Government has launched formal judicial proceedings against MIDI plc, the company behind the controversial Manoel Island redevelopment project.

The action marks a significant step in what Prime Minister Robert Abela has described as a commitment to "return Manoel Island to the people."

The judicial process was initiated through a formal letter filed in the First Hall of the Civil Court by the Government of Malta, the Lands Authority, and the Malta Transport Authority.

The letter accuses MIDI of breaching key terms of the 99-year emphyteutic contract signed in June 2000, which had granted the company extensive rights over Tigné Point and Manoel Island.

According to the Government, MIDI has failed to meet its development obligations under the contract, and is now liable to pay contractual penalties.

In the letter the Government also stated that the company is clearly in no shape to honour its contractual obligations.

The Government emphasised that it has no intention of extending project deadlines any further, specifying that unless works are “substantially completed” by March 2026, the Government has the right to cancel the concession. 

Just two days ago, MIDI plc issued a statement saying that it is “prepared to engage in constructive discussions with the Government.”