Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that he has full faith in Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, amid calls for her to resign after thousands of residents across Malta suffered through a spate of power cuts in the last week.

While answering journalists' questions on Monday afternoon, outside the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister expressed his faith in Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, citing that she was the Energy Minister to initiate the process to strengthen the electricity distribution system - an investment that, he said, could have been initiated several years ago.

Prime Minister Abela noted how under Miriam Dalli's tenure in charge of Malta's energy sector, the rhythm of works to bolster the electricity distribution network has accelerated to new rates.

He noted how Enemalta workers have shown out beyond expectations as repairs and reinforcement works were done to the country's electricity distribution network, including the installation of long kilometres of cabling, new substations, and distribution centres, amounting to €161 million in the last three years.

Abela observed that the electrical grid was stabilised on Sunday while discussing the recent spate of power cuts, following peak temperatures surpassing 40°C last week.

When asked whether he is confident that no more power cuts will be endured in the coming days or weeks, PM Abela responded that he is confident that infrastructural works, as mentioned, will continue.

"When you compare the resilience of our system to what we had just a few months ago, we have a more resilient system," the Prime Minister said, noting that "more works must be done for how our country continues to grow."

Prime Minister doesn't say if Enemalta to be given more resources to accelerate works

Amidst calls from the Prime Minister for Enemalta to accelerate its works on the electricity distribution system, as long spates of power cuts have been experienced around the country, Prime Minister Abela did not say what additional resources the government will be providing the energy company to make these "accelerated works" possible.

Earlier this weekend, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that Enemalta has been instructed to "significantly accelerate" works to strengthen the electricity distribution system, while describing the recent power outages experienced across Malta as "inexcusable."

On Monday afternoon, this newsroom asked the Prime Minister what resources the government will be giving the country's sole energy provider to make this possible though PM Abela did not say if any additional resources will be provided when questioned.

In response, the Prime Minister commended Enemalta's workers for their "extreme dedication" in recent days, as many sacrificed "many hours of sleep and family time" to carry out cable works and "restore the [electricity] distribution system's integrity as soon as possible" while "under huge pressure."

"They have done everything they can and I would like to thank them," PM Abela said whilst noting their dedication in recent months as well.

The Prime Minister said that the distribution system remained strong recently wherever works were carried out in the last three years, and that areas affected by significant power outages were located in places where such works still need to be carried out and "accelerated."

Abela said that bolstering the grid happens through synergy between Enemalta, the private sector, and Enemalta's employees. Enemalta, as an energy company, is mainly owned by the Government of Malta.

In his view, once these works are done, "we would have strengthened the system humanely" to "continue assuring the resilience of a more reliable system, that keeps up with the economy today."

He added that Malta's modern economy is looking to home in on digitalisation and switch towards AI technologies also, to reduce the country's dependence on foreign workers. He noted that this, in turn, would eventually increase the country's electric consumption. That being said, Abela sustained that his government will continue its investments to cover for what the Maltese economy demands, also citing the increased take-up of electric vehicles and the shore-to-ship project as other initiatives of this kind.

When asked whether Enemalta workers will be receiving additional compensation for the long hours they are working amid this electricity distribution crisis that many people and businesses around the country have been enduring since last week, the Prime Minister said that "this is something Enemalta must consider."

Abela stated that Enemalta has the power to decide whether to give such recognition "that is necessary in the circumstances we find ourselves in."

He commented that his government has always recognised and shown sincere appreciation to all workers. Abela mentioned how many such workers he knows have worked "more than expected out of them" and that the government is "very grateful" for this.

While speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Abela stated that he is still backing his Energy Minister, Miriam Dalli, as yet another Maltese summer is being characterised by widely experienced power cuts across the country.

This saga mirrors the widespread power outages experienced in the summer of 2023, where faults in the electricity distribution system amid peak summer temperatures was also identified as the cause for long spans of power cuts experienced nationwide.

While giving these comments, the Prime Minister was asked to comment about former minister Roderick Galdes' comments that, when it comes to electricity, the government resorts to a "management by crisis mentality." In response, Abela asked the NET journalist, "aren't you tired of attacking Roderick Galdes?"