Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544723
MIRIAM Dalli refutes the sugges- tion that an election was called now because of internal party disputes and insists government cannot ig- nore the volatile situation in the Middle East. "I think in times of instability, it is good to have the whole gov- ernment focused on addressing the issue," she tells me as we sit down for this interview. "I under- stand the prime minister's think- ing in calling the election now to have the necessary ground work in place and then focus on what needs to be addressed." Dalli defends government's sub- sidies policy, insisting a phasing out plan cannot be implemented when the global situation remains restless. Government has been heavily subsidising energy and fuel since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to keep electrici- ty and pump prices stable. Dalli says the Russian invasion of Ukraine and now the war in Iran have shown government was right not to listen to advice on phasing out subsidies, as they have served to cushion the eco- nomic impact of these conflicts. The energy minister also says the subsidies have served as an investment in the country and its economy, preventing an increase in unemployment and facilitating growth. On open spaces, a central issue during the 2022 election cam- paign, Dalli defends the govern- ment's track record. She says work on major open space pledg- es is ongoing, and their size and unique characteristics require a longer timeline for completion. "I must remind you the projects you have mentioned [St Anne Street, Santa Venera tunnels, Bormla and San Gwann] were given a seven-year timeline," she tells me. On Roderick Galdes's tug-of- war with party over his botched election candidature, Dalli is coy, pointing towards internal party structures and how the process must be respected. Miriam Dalli: 'Retaining subsidies is not irresponsible' Miriam Dalli agrees with an early general election since the ongoing geopolitical situation needs government to focus on long-term issues that may arise. The energy minister sits down with Karl Azzopardi to discuss energy, subsidies, green projects and Roderick Galdes 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MAY 2026 INTERVIEW