DILI, 08 november 2023 (TATOLI) – Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa asked President Marcelo Rebelo to approve his resignation and the Head of State accepted it.
The current Socialist Party government was formed after an absolute majority in the last parliamentary elections.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa resigned after investigators searched his official residence in an inquiry into alleged corruption.
His resignation followed an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) which resulted in searches of the homes of government officials, former government officials, the Prime Minister’s office, and some companies.
PGR said on tuesday they were investigating concessions awarded for lithium mines and hydrogen production.
For the purposes of establishing the status of defendants, the PGR considered that there were “dangers of flight, a continuation of criminal activity and disturbance of public order and tranquillity”. PM António Costa is a suspect under investigation for “facilitating” business deals that the investigating authorities consider to be tainted with irregularities. He is suspected of “active and passive corruption of a political office holder, influence peddling and malfeasance”.
Prosecutors said that detention warrants were issued for five people, including the current Minister for Infrastructure, João Galamba, the current and former Minister for the Environment, Duarte Cordeiro and Matos Fernandes respectively, two members of the Prime Minister’s Office, one of whom is António Costa’s chief of staff, Vítor Escáriaand, as well as the mayor of Sines, Nuno Mascarenhas.
President Rebelo will hear the leaders of the parties with parliamentary representation as well as the Council of State, under the terms defined by the Constitution. This consultation could result in a decision to bring down the government and early parliamentary elections.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
