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Government Must Shoulder Responsibility For Power Cut Crisis, Says PN

Government Must Shoulder Responsibility For Power Cut Crisis, Says PN
Local

The Partit Nazzjonalista has accused the Government of continuing to ignore the impact of Malta's ongoing power-cut crisis, saying families and businesses are still facing prolonged electricity disruptions across several localities.

Speaking during a press conference outside the Ministry for Energy, the Environment and Grand Harbour Regeneration in Valletta, Shadow Minister for Energy and the Environment Mark Anthony Sammut and Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott said the Government must accept responsibility for the situation.

The Opposition argued that every power cut causes hardship for families, particularly elderly and vulnerable people, while also disrupting businesses, workers and the wider economy.

It said repeated electricity interruptions damage productivity, undermine competitiveness and affect investor confidence.

The PN criticised the Government's handling of the crisis, saying it had offered a series of changing explanations instead of accepting responsibility.

It also referred to a National Audit Office report which, it said, identified a lack of investment in the high-voltage electricity network between 2014 and 2023.

The Opposition said Minister Miriam Dalli has overseen the energy sector for years and questioned how €140 million allocated to electricity infrastructure had been spent.

Among its proposals, the PN is calling for Minister Dalli to assume political responsibility, automatic compensation for affected households and businesses, compensation for Enemalta workers involved in restoration efforts, full disclosure of network faults, a detailed breakdown of the €140 million investment, and greater transparency regarding Enemalta's Network Development Plan, audited accounts and the €60 million linked to missing carbon credits.

The PN also urged Parliament to debate its motion of no confidence in Minister Dalli before the summer recess, arguing that political accountability should not be delayed while the country continues to experience power cuts.

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