The so-called “independent” report by the National Audit Office titled “The Government’s rescission of restrictions on the site of the Fortina Hotel” is nothing short of unscrupulous. Instead of providing a professional assessment, the Auditor chose to produce a politically charged text clearly intended to harm both a private enterprise and the Government.
What is most shocking here is not the Government’s decision, nor the Fortina project, but the bizarre figure of €24 million that the Auditor claims as the “value” for a mere one tumolo of land. Let’s be crystal clear: this is the highest price ever suggested for land in Malta — and not even for outright purchase, but simply for the removal of certain conditions on land Fortina has legally possessed since the 1990s.
The Nationalist Party and its mouthpieces rushed to celebrate this fantasy figure, parroting the Auditor as if he were the Gospel. But serious voices in the property sector immediately dismissed this absurdity, pointing out that no land in Malta has ever been valued in such a manner. The Auditor’s figure looks more like reckless speculation than professional evaluation, completely devoid of commercial sense and economic reality.
The PN, desperate for political oxygen, clings to this report as though it proves “corruption.” Yet what it really proves is the hollowness of the Opposition: they will weaponise any document, no matter how unbalanced or damaging to Malta’s business climate, if they think it can score them cheap points.
The danger is not in the Government’s decision — which provides certainty for investment and jobs — but in this reckless behaviour by the Auditor General, now setting a dangerous precedent for all future enterprises. If every investor is to fear politically-motivated valuations pulled out of thin air, then the message to Malta’s economy is devastating: “do not trust this system.”
Partit Nazzjonalista
The PN’s hypocrisy is exposed once again. They shout about jobs, investment and the economy, yet they cheer on reports that undermine investor confidence and tarnish Malta’s reputation. This is not oversight. This is sabotage.
