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Malta Hits Record 713MW Power Demand as Heatwave Triggers Widespread Outages: Malta recorded a record 713MW electricity demand on Tuesday, surpassing the previous peak of 663MW in 2023, as a heatwave strained the distribution network and caused widespread power cuts, Enemalta said. Outages affected numerous localities and briefly halted Floriana’s UEFA Conference League match against Drita. Enemalta said it has sufficient generation capacity but unprecedented demand and prolonged high temperatures caused multiple cable faults. The company said power has been restored in several areas, with repair works continuing elsewhere, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the grid under its nine-year investment programme. (The Malta Independent)
Momentum Says 5 Million Y-Plate Journeys Show Malta Ready for Subsidised Shared Cabs: Momentum says more than 5 million Y-plate cab journeys recorded between February and May demonstrate strong demand for its proposal to introduce subsidised shared cabs. The party said the scheme, unveiled before last year’s general election, would complement public transport by using existing Y-plate operators and apps to match passengers travelling along similar routes. Leader Arnold Cassola argued shared rides could reduce congestion, emissions and parking demand by taking private cars off the road. Momentum urged the government to adopt the proposal, saying it offers an immediate, lower-cost alternative to major infrastructure projects. (Newsbook)
Witness Continues Evidence as Yorgen Fenech Murder Trial Resumes: Proceedings continued on Tuesday in the trial of Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of complicity in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, with businessman Johann Cremona returning to the witness stand. During his testimony, Cremona became emotional as he described the personal and professional impact the case has had on his life, insisting he had no involvement in the murder. The prosecution questioned him extensively about information allegedly relayed to him by state witness Melvin Theuma, including claims involving Keith Schembri, communications through the encrypted messaging app Signal and allegations concerning requests for financial assistance linked to the Degiorgio brothers. Cremona also recounted meetings and exchanges involving Schembri and Fenech, while prosecutors challenged aspects of his evidence that had not featured in earlier testimony. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
PM Apologises as Power Cuts Continue Amid Heatwave, PN Renews Criticism
Prime Minister Robert Abela has issued an unconditional apology to residents affected by widespread power cuts as Malta continues to experience record-breaking temperatures exceeding 42°C. Acknowledging the disruption caused to thousands of households, Abela said the recent outages were unacceptable and stressed that the faults were linked to the electricity distribution network rather than power generation. He said investment in underground cables would be accelerated to strengthen the system and insisted the government would not shift responsibility onto consumers despite calls for greater energy conservation. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party renewed its criticism of the government’s handling of the situation, arguing that the prolonged outages have placed vulnerable people, including the elderly and patients, at greater risk during the ongoing heatwave. The PN also warned that the power cuts were adding pressure on Mater Dei Hospital’s Emergency Department through an increase in heat-related illnesses, urging the government to prioritise public health while ensuring a more resilient electricity network. (Times of MAlta)
Government Unveils Planning Reform to Suspend Works During Appeals
The government has announced a long-awaited reform that will prevent construction works from proceeding while planning permit appeals remain unresolved. Prime Minister Robert Abela and Planning Minister Jonathan Attard unveiled the proposed legislation, describing it as an important step towards creating a fairer planning system. Under the reform, developers will be required to halt works until all appeals have been decided, while any construction carried out in breach of the suspension will be subject to enforcement action. Abela said the current system has created uncertainty for both objectors and permit holders, with some property buyers suffering financial losses after permits were later revoked. Unlike previous proposals that attracted widespread criticism, the new bill focuses solely on the appeals process and does not include wider changes to planning legislation. The first reading of the bill is expected to be presented in Parliament. (Maltatoday)
Witness Continues Evidence as Yorgen Fenech Murder Trial Resumes
Proceedings continued on Tuesday in the trial of Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of complicity in the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, with businessman Johann Cremona returning to the witness stand. During his testimony, Cremona became emotional as he described the personal and professional impact the case has had on his life, insisting he had no involvement in the murder. The prosecution questioned him extensively about information allegedly relayed to him by state witness Melvin Theuma, including claims involving Keith Schembri, communications through the encrypted messaging app Signal and allegations concerning requests for financial assistance linked to the Degiorgio brothers. Cremona also recounted meetings and exchanges involving Schembri and Fenech, while prosecutors challenged aspects of his evidence that had not featured in earlier testimony. (Newsbook)
