Sandro Chetcuti is a Maltese real estate developer, founder and former president of the Malta Developers' Association (2010-2021).
Career
Chetcuti co-founded the Malta Developers' Association (MDA) in 2010 alongside former PN minister Michael Falzon, at a time when no dedicated property lobby existed.Business Today In 2014 he succeeded Falzon as president, advocating for the reduction of regulation on developers.Times of Malta, 2014
Under Chetcuti’s leadership, the MDA emerged as one of Malta’s most powerful industry lobbies, known for its direct dialogue with the new Labour government led by Joseph Muscat.Malta Today, 2021
In 2013, the Muscat government appointed Chetcuti to Malta's Building Regulations Board, despite potential conflicts of interestas a developer.Maltatoday, 2013
Chetcuti also served as a government consultant on property market and planning matters, a role compensated at around €19,000 annually.Malta Today, 2018
Chetcuti promoted initiatives like the “Transfer of Gross Floor Area Ratio” to balance urban development and village preservation.Lovin Malta
He also spoke out on urban redevelopment issues, such as the controversial Paceville masterplan, urging authorities to ensure fair compensation in expropriation plans.Times of Malta
Chetcuti also chaired the Property Malta Foundation, a public-private initiative aimed at promoting Malta among foreign property investors Malta.Property Malta Foundation, MDA
In 2021, after more than seven years, Chetcuti stepped down and was named honorary president.Times of Malta He was succeeded by Michael Stivala, with Chetcuti’s son Leon Chetcuti later appointed as CEO of MDA.Malta Today
Chetcuti and the MDA have been subject to criticism for their political influence and prioritization of development, with critics pointing to environmental and regulatory concerns.Times of Malta
Major development projects
Zonqor Point land in Marsaskala Chetcuti has shown longstanding interest in a 7,850-square-metre tract of land in Marsaskala, adjacent to the Zonqor Point area. Although he has not yet acquired the land, he signed a promise-of-sale agreement in 2006, which has been regularly renewed. This area is near the proposed site for the American University of Malta campus. Chetcuti has expressed intentions to develop hotels on this land, describing the area as "shabby and unused" and unsuitable for agricultural purposes.Malta Today
Xemxija 13-storey tower proposal In 2024, Chetcuti's company, Chetgau Development Ltd, submitted an outline development application for a 13-storey tower in Xemxija, comprising 300 apartments. The proposal faced significant opposition from residents and environmentalists due to concerns about encroachment on protected garrigue and proximity to archaeological sites. The Planning Authority suspended the application, and the project's future remains uncertain.Newsbook
Assault conviction
In March 2010, Sandro Chetcuti was involved in a physical altercation with Vince Farrugia, then Director-General of Malta's General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU). Farrugia had suspected Chetcuti of leaking information to Joseph Muscat.Times of Malta, 2010
Initially charged with attempted murder, the Attorney-General later downgraded the charge to causing grievous bodily harm.Times of Malta, 2013 In September 2013, Chetcuti was acquitted of the more serious charges but was found guilty of causing slight injuries, harassment, and threats. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, suspended for one year, and was placed under a €1,000 protection order not to approach or contact Farrugia for a year.Times of Malta, 2013
Farrugia was also investigated for perjury or fabricating evidence during the proceedings.Times of Malta, 2013 Charges were brought in 2018. The case is ongoing.Times of Malta, 2018
References