In a landmark ruling that brings clarity and vindication to one of Malta’s most significant infrastructure achievements, the Constitutional Court has dismissed a lawsuit against Enemalta and Electrogas over the procurement process. This positive decision underscores the strength and legitimacy of the Electrogas project, which has been instrumental in transforming Malta’s energy sector from a position of crisis to one of stability, efficiency, and economic growth.
The Court Ruling: Corruption Unproven, Tariffs Stable
The case, filed in June 2021 by a group of individuals, alleged that the arrangements between Enemalta and Electrogas introduced an unnecessary “layer of profit,” claiming that direct purchases from Socar SA could have avoided higher costs and amounted to fraud or negligence. Plaintiffs sought compensation and the rescinding of the agreements.
Mark Chetcuti
Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, together with judges Anthony Ellul and Robert G. Mangion, thoroughly examined the claims and found them lacking. Key points from the ruling include:
Corruption claims remain unproven: The court emphasized that allegations of corruption have not been proven and substantiated.
NAO findings: The Auditor General’s report did not conclude that the agreement was fundamentally defective due to corruption.
No impact on bills: Evidence showed that electricity tariffs in Malta are set by law and have actually decreased since a 2014 legal notice.
https://timesofmalta.com/article/court-dismisses-case-enemalta-electrogas-gas-procurement.1130300
This ruling represents a clear rejection of politically motivated attacks on a project that has delivered tangible benefits to the Maltese people. It allows the focus to return where it belongs: on the real-world successes of Malta’s energy transformation.
