Illegal development along Malta's coast continues unchecked, now with full political backing. ADPD - The Green Party Chairperson Sandra Gauci, joined by Secretary General Ralph Cassar, spoke from a development site in Qawra to condemn what they called "a public land grab blessed by both government and opposition."

Despite public outcry and previous objections, Parliament approved a deal allowing developers to legalize their encroachment with a €2 million fine payable in installments and an annual rent of €138,000. The developers are now pushing for further expansion, threatening residents of St Paul's Bay.

The Planning Authority has turned a blind eye to glaring issues with the proposed expansion between Suncrest and Sunny Coast. The local council voted against the plan, citing outdated traffic studies from 2017-2018 and rising concerns over congestion and parking. No alternatives have been proposed for a street critical for sea and boathouse access.

This project is just the latest example of the "salami slicing" tactic - approving developments in stages to bypass full scrutiny. Both PL and PN administrations have enabled this erosion of public space and coastal access.

Ralph Cassar noted how lidos and deckchairs have overtaken public coastlines in St Paul's Bay, a locality already starved of open space and overwhelmed by tourism. The government's Vision 2050 promises even more tourism-driven pressure on the environment.

Gauci and Cassar warned that proposed planning reforms would further entrench greed and environmental degradation, calling it "the law of the jungle where might is right." They pledged that ADPD will remain the voice of residents, defending the coast from relentless political and corporate exploitation.