Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa.
Amid a corruption inquiry related to lithium and hydrogen projects that led to the detention of his chief of staff, Vitor Escaria, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has declared his resignation.
As reported by the Irish Examiner on Tuesday, Costa, in a televised speech from Lisbon, asserted his innocence while saying, “In these circumstances, I have presented my resignation to the president of the republic.”
The prosecutor’s office revealed that five individuals, including Escaria, were apprehended in connection with an ongoing investigation into lithium exploration concessions and a hydrogen production project.
Costa, who had held the position of prime minister since 2015, led a Socialist government with an unchallenged parliamentary majority.
The Supreme Court is currently examining the alleged involvement of the suspects in illicit activities associated with the prime minister.
Prominent figures such as the Minister of Infrastructure, Joao Galamba, and the head of the environmental agency, are also under investigation.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to approve Costa’s resignation.