PN Tables No-Confidence Motion in Energy Minister as Government Offers Power Cut Compensation

2026-07-22T17:01:33.95+00:00 · Updated 2026-07-23T23:03:04.485+00:00

The Nationalist Party has tabled a motion of no confidence in Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, urging the Prime Minister to request her resignation or remove her from office. This action follows weeks of repeated power cuts that have significantly impacted the country during a record-breaking heatwave.

The Opposition's motion highlights the severe disruption caused by the electricity outages, which they claim have paralysed various sectors and households across Malta. The party's call for the minister's removal underscores the political pressure mounting over the government's handling of the energy crisis.

In a related development, the government has confirmed that compensation will be offered to those affected by the prolonged electricity disruptions. This measure aims to address the financial and logistical burdens faced by residents and businesses.

Specifically, the compensation will be available to households and commercial entities that have experienced power outages lasting more than six hours. The government's announcement acknowledges the strain placed on Malta's electricity network amidst the summer heatwave.

The widespread nature of the blackouts has led to significant public frustration. Newsbook reported on both the no-confidence motion and the compensation offer, detailing the political and governmental responses to the crisis.

Adding to the concerns, The Shift News reported that Enemalta’s live online map, designed to inform the public about electricity outages, appeared to fail under the sheer scale of the crisis. The map reportedly did not accurately reflect the widespread blackouts occurring across the country, further complicating efforts for residents to get information.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce has issued a warning that the country's electricity infrastructure is no longer able to keep up with rising demand. The Chamber stated that continued population growth, increased tourism, and higher temperatures linked to climate change are putting significant pressure on the national grid.

This warning comes amidst a period of widespread power cuts across the island. The Chamber's comments highlight concerns about the long-term sustainability and capacity of the current electricity system.

In a related development, 23 civil society organisations have publicly supported the Nationalist Party's calls for action. These organisations have joined the opposition's stance on the electricity crisis, which includes demands for accountability and compensation for those affected by the outages.

During a parliamentary session, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Enemalta had invested €140 million in its electricity network. However, the Minister did not provide a breakdown of these costs. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about the country's power infrastructure.

Enemalta later confirmed that power had been restored in most areas affected by recent outages. The company also reported that electricity demand peaked at 741 megawatts.

In a separate development, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) called for the creation of a national climate resilience plan. The lobby group suggested that the issue of power cuts has evolved beyond being solely a ministerial concern, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy. Earlier, a trial was reportedly halted due to a power cut affecting the court's own plant, as noted by Matthew Caruana Galizia.

The government has officially announced a compensation scheme for households and businesses that were severely affected by the recent widespread electricity outages. This initiative follows weeks of disruptions across the islands, which led to significant inconvenience and financial losses for many.

Under the new scheme, individuals and enterprises that experienced power cuts lasting more than six consecutive hours will be eligible for financial compensation. The details of how to apply for this redress are expected to be released shortly, aiming to provide relief to those most impacted by the prolonged service interruptions.

The Nationalist Party's motion of no confidence against Energy Minister Miriam Dalli was formally presented by Opposition Leader Alex Borg and Shadow Minister for Energy Mark Anthony Sammut. The party argues that Minister Dalli should be held politically responsible for the recent widespread power cuts across the country.

Separately, the government confirmed that the compensation scheme for households and businesses affected by outages lasting more than six hours is a re-introduction of a measure previously applied during exceptional circumstances. Meanwhile, Enemalta has publicly defended its investment strategy amidst the ongoing electricity crisis.

The Nationalist Party has also specifically called for compensation for businesses, stating that many have been forced to close and have lost significant hours of work due to the repeated power outages.

The Nationalist Party's motion of no-confidence against Energy Minister Miriam Dalli was formally presented in Parliament yesterday, according to The Maltese Herald. The Opposition is calling for Minister Dalli's resignation in response to the prolonged and widespread electricity outages that have affected homes and businesses across the islands for weeks.

During the parliamentary session, The Maltese Herald reported that Minister Dalli did not make any statements regarding the ongoing electricity crisis or the power cuts. The motion follows public outcry and criticism directed at the government's handling of the energy situation.