Portuguese Prime Minister Resigns Amid Corruption Investigation

Antonio Costa, the Prime Minister of Portugal, resigned following investigations into alleged irregularities in the management of lithium and hydrogen extraction projects. Costa, who had formed a socialist majority government, stated in a televised announcement on Tuesday, November 7, "The duties of the Prime Minister are not compatible with any suspicion regarding his integrity, good conduct, and worse, suspicion of committing a criminal act." He added that he is at peace with his conscience but will not run for Prime Minister again. On the same day, prosecutors identified João Galamba, the Minister of Infrastructure, as the main suspect in the case and arrested the Prime Minister's chief of staff. Costa had previously expressed his full readiness to cooperate with the judiciary after prosecutors indicated that he was also a target of the investigation. The opposition immediately called for the swift resignation of the government. The former Prime Minister of Portugal has been accused of financial corruption, reflecting a growing distrust among Europeans towards their governments.