Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns following investigation for alleged corruption

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation Tuesday. The decision was made public just hours after it was reported that the socialist's residence was searched as part of an investigation into alleged corruption.

"I close this stage with a clear conscience. Obviously, I submitted my resignation. I am not going to run for prime minister again. It is incompatible with the exercise of the role of prime minister to be under criminal suspicion," Costa said in statements reported by Portuguese media outlet Público.

Costa maintained that he trusts in the justice system. In addition, he indicated that he had hoped to complete his term. "I was completely willing to dedicate all my energy to fulfilling my mandate until the end of this legislature," said the prime minister.

Antonio Costa's residence raided

Portuguese police raided the prime minister's official residence as part of an investigation into alleged corruption. According to local media, the Ministries of Environment and Climate Transition and Infrastructure were also searched.

This is an investigation related to lithium exploration projects in Montalegre (a municipality in the north of the country) and also involves alleged crimes in the green hydrogen business.

Costa's Chief of Staff Vítor Escaria has been arrested as a result of the investigation. Diogo Lacerda Machado, Costa's advisor; and the mayor of Sines, the socialist Nuno Mascarenhas; as well as two directors of a company related to the case have also been arrested, according to local media.