ADPD-The Green Party has called on Energy Minister Miriam Dalli to take political responsibility and step down, accusing the government of failing to prepare Malta's infrastructure for rising temperatures and electricity demand.

ADPD spokesperson Mark Zerafa said Malta's infrastructure had once again failed to keep up with demand during the summer, with power outages adding to the difficulties caused by extreme heat.

The party said the outages were particularly concerning given the health risks posed by high temperatures, noting that the Ministry for Health had previously stated that a significant number of vulnerable people had died due to the heat.

According to ADPD, Malta had known for years that temperatures were rising and that the population was increasing, but had failed to adequately strengthen the country's electricity infrastructure.

The party said power cuts during the hottest months not only cause discomfort but can also result in food being wasted when refrigerators remain without electricity for extended periods, while disrupting businesses and potentially putting vulnerable people at risk.

"This situation is unacceptable," ADPD said, arguing that Malta's electricity supply could no longer be managed in an "amateurish manner" and required greater seriousness and professionalism.

The party said the issue of power cuts during the summer was not new and that measures taken so far had not been sufficient to guarantee a reliable electricity supply, particularly as residents increasingly rely on air conditioning when temperatures approach 40°C.

Zerafa said ADPD had been calling for the electricity distribution system to be upgraded for years to reflect Malta's current population and expected electricity consumption during the hottest months.

He also called for stronger investment in renewable energy and greater incentives to improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties.

"This way, we ensure that the electricity generated is better utilised, while we move closer to the goal of zero carbon," Zerafa said.

ADPD also accused Dalli of failing to adequately address the situation and called on her to "take political responsibility for this failure" and step aside.