Portuguese PM Antonio Costa Quits Amid Corruption Storm
In a bombshell shake-up, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has resigned after a high-profile corruption probe rocked his government. The probe targets dodgy deals in energy contracts, including lithium and hydrogen projects.
Corruption Claims Rock Lisbon
Public prosecutors accuse top politicians of “misuse of funds, active and passive corruption, and influence peddling.” Costa is under the microscope for allegedly fast-tracking licences for lithium exploration and hydrogen production.
“The duties of the prime minister are not compatible with any suspicion of my integrity,” said Costa, confirming his resignation at a tense press conference.
Political Fallout and Early Elections Loom
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accepted the resignation and set the scene for early elections by calling a special meeting of parliamentary parties. The Council of State, made up of senior politicians and former presidents, must convene to dissolve parliament.
Wider Investigation Sparks Arrests and Suspensions
- Ministries, Costa’s offices, and homes were raided on Tuesday.
- Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba has been indicted.
- An arrest warrant was issued for Costa’s chief of staff.
- The probe covers lithium mining licences, hydrogen projects, and a data centre in Sines.
- Warrants also target the mayor of Sines, two Start Campus executives, and the head of the environmental agency APA.
The scandal involves environmentally controversial lithium projects opposed by locals and green groups. Costa’s grip on power had already slipped due to ‘TAPgate,’ a scandal around the national airline that saw ministers and officials quit in droves.
Costa’s Socialist Party has held power since 2015. He won a fresh mandate in January 2022, but now Portugal’s political future looks uncertain as fresh elections loom.
