Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa resigned on Tuesday following a far-reaching corruption investigation involving his government.
In a nationally televised address, the 62-year-old leader, in office since 2015, maintained his innocence, stating, "In these circumstances, obviously, I have presented my resignation to the president of the republic."
The move came on the heels of the arrest of Costa's chief of staff and simultaneous raids on various public buildings and properties as part of the ongoing investigation. The state prosecutor's office disclosed that the Supreme Court was examining suspects' "use of the prime minister’s name and his involvement" in potentially illicit activities. Notably, Minister of Infrastructure João Galamba and the head of the environmental agency were among those implicated.
Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa swiftly accepted Costa’s resignation, signaling an anticipated dissolution of parliament and the announcement of a new election. De Sousa declared that parliament would convene on Wednesday, and he would address the nation after the Council of State gathers on Thursday.
During his emotional address, Costa expressed gratitude to his family for their support and maintained his trust in the justice system. He emphasized, "I want to say, eye to eye to the Portuguese, that no illicit or even reprehensible act weighs on my conscience." Costa acknowledged that he was not "above the law" and affirmed that the dignity of the prime minister's office cannot coexist with any suspicion regarding his integrity or conduct.
An investigative judge issued arrest warrants for Costa’s chief of staff, Vítor Escária, the mayor of the town of Sines, and three others due to flight risk and to preserve evidence, according to the prosecutor’s office. The judge's inquiry spans alleged malfeasance, corruption of 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 along the southern coast.
The police operations included searches 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 initiatives are integral components of the European Union's ambitious green initiative, significantly funded by the EU.
Costa, a staunch advocate of these projects and an ally of Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, appeared poised to remain in power for an extended period after his party's resounding electoral triumph last year. However, in December 2022, his infrastructure and housing minister resigned amidst public outcry over a substantial compensation payment made to a TAP Air Portugal board member.
In total, ten senior government officials have departed their positions since Costa's party secured victory in the 2022 elections. Costa asserted that he had received no prior indication of being under legal scrutiny, remarking, "This is a phase of my life that comes to an end."
By Salam Bustanji
