PN Calls for Energy Minister Dalli's Resignation Over Power Cuts

· Updated

In brief

  • The Nationalist Party (PN) has reiterated its call for Energy Minister Miriam Dalli to resign.
  • The Opposition also demanded a comprehensive report detailing the causes of the recent widespread power cuts.
  • The ongoing power disruptions have led to significant food waste and prompted community initiatives like free study spaces for students.

The Nationalist Party (PN) has renewed its demand for Energy Minister Miriam Dalli's resignation, citing the persistent and widespread power cuts across Malta. The Opposition also called for a detailed report to be published, outlining the causes behind the recent electricity outages.

Earlier, Fil-Qosor reported on the Prime Minister's instructions to accelerate power grid repairs amidst public frustration. Opposition MP Mark Anthony Sammut questioned how €140 million allocated for electricity grid upgrades had been spent, given the current situation.

The ongoing power cuts have had a significant impact on daily life and businesses. Newsbook reported that many families and shops have been forced to discard large quantities of food due to prolonged periods without electricity, leading to substantial financial losses.

In response to the crisis, some organisations are stepping up to help. Lovin Malta highlighted that Knights College is offering free access to its fully powered campus for students needing a reliable place to study for upcoming exams, regardless of their enrolment status.

Businesses are also taking measures to ease the strain on the national energy infrastructure. Newsbook reported that LIDL Malta has announced a one-month initiative to reduce its electricity consumption by dimming lights across all its stores, in response to the severe July heatwave and pressure on the energy grid.

The Opposition's renewed call for accountability underscores the growing public concern over the reliability of the national power supply and the government's handling of the energy infrastructure.

The Nationalist Party has intensified its calls for Energy Minister Miriam Dalli to resign, now formally demanding a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion against her. The Opposition insists that this debate should take place before Parliament's summer recess.

This renewed pressure follows a second week of widespread power outages across the island, which the PN attributes to the minister's political responsibility.

The Nationalist Party (PN) has intensified its criticism of the government regarding the ongoing power cuts, accusing Prime Minister Robert Abela of attempting to shift blame for the situation.

PN MP Chris Said stated that the government's approach to the energy crisis demonstrates a "management by crisis" strategy. This follows earlier calls from the PN for Energy Minister Miriam Dalli to resign over the widespread disruptions.

In response, the Labour Party (PL) issued a statement, asserting that the government is actively engaged in resolving the power supply issues and is committed to investing further in the country's energy infrastructure.

The Spin Room

High media divide. NET News focused on the PN's attack on the Prime Minister, while The Malta Independent, an independent outlet, reported both the PN's accusations and the Labour Party's reply, providing a more balanced account of the political exchange.

  • NET News: Emphasised the Nationalist Party's criticism of Prime Minister Abela, framing the situation as 'management by crisis'.
  • The Malta Independent: Reported on the PN's accusation that Prime Minister Abela was shifting blame for the power cuts, and also included the Labour Party's response to these claims.

Updates

  • : Updated with the Nationalist Party's demand for a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion against Minister Dalli.
  • : The Nationalist Party has further accused the Prime Minister of shifting blame over the power cuts, with the Labour Party issuing a reply.

Sources (9) · 5 outlets