Abela Vows To Pause Works On Developments Under Appeal Within First 100 Days

Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged to introduce legislation preventing construction works from starting while a planning permit is still under appeal, saying the measure will be implemented within the government’s first 100 days.

Fresh off Labour’s historic fourth consecutive election victory, Abela reaffirmed a key electoral promise aimed at reforming Malta’s planning system.

Under the proposal, developers would be unable to begin construction on projects that are still facing active appeals, a move long demanded by environmental groups and planning activists.

“Our priority in the field of planning is to have a fair and predictable process for everyone,” Labour stated in its electoral manifesto.

The commitment is not entirely new. Similar plans were first announced in 2023 by former Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, but never materialised.

The measure later resurfaced as part of the government’s wider planning reform package, which sparked widespread backlash and protests from NGOs last year.

Following the controversy, the government shelved the reforms, with Abela later promising that any future changes to the planning system would only proceed through consultation and consensus.

Speaking after Labour’s first parliamentary group meeting of the new legislature, Abela confirmed that the planning reform would be among the government’s immediate priorities.

He also revealed that newly elected MP Naomi Cachia has been confirmed as government whip, with Fleur Abela appointed deputy whip.

Other priorities for the government’s first months include proposed changes to IVF legislation, which Abela said are intended to give more couples the opportunity to become parents.

For now, however, many eyes will be on whether the government finally delivers on a planning reform promise that has been years in the making.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.