Portugal PM Antonio Costa resigns amid corruption probe

Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday, following his government’s involvement in a widespread corruption investigation.

Costa (62), who has been the leader of Portugal’s Socialist party since 2015, asserted his innocence and stated in a nationally televised address that he had submitted his resignation to the president of the republic in light of the circumstances.

The announcement came shortly after police arrested his chief of staff and conducted raids on various public buildings and properties as part of the ongoing probe, reported The Associated Press.

The state prosecutor’s office disclosed that the Supreme Court was examining the alleged misuse of the prime minister’s name and his potential involvement in illicit activities.

Notably, the minister of infrastructure, João Galamba, and the head of the environmental agency were among those named as suspects.

During his address, Costa expressed his trust in the justice system and thanked his family for their support. He emphasised that his conscience was clear of any wrongful or censurable acts and acknowledged that he was not above the law.

An investigative judge had issued arrest warrants for Vítor Escária, Costa’s chief of staff; the mayor of the town of Sines; and three other people because they represented a flight risk and to protect evidence, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

The investigation centers around alleged misconduct, corruption involving elected officials, and influence peddling related to lithium mine concessions near Portugal’s northern border with Spain, as well as plans for a green hydrogen plant and data center in Sines on the south coast.

The police raids targeted the premises of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Sines town council, private residences, and offices.

Portugal’s lithium mines and green hydrogen projects are part of the European Union’s green initiative, which has received substantial funding.

With inputs from agencies