Prime Minister Costa resigns following corruption scandal

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has resigned following an investigation launched into irregularities detected in lithium mining and hydrogen projects in Portugal.

In a statement, Costa announced that he had submitted his resignation to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stating that his conscience is clear and that he will not be a candidate for prime minister again.

Prosecutors have identified Portuguese Minister of Infrastructure Joao Galamba as the prime suspect in the investigation. As part of the investigation, 5 people were detained, including Costa's chief of staff Vitor Escaria and Diogo Lacerda Machado, who is known to be a friend of Costa.

OVER 40 SEARCHES CONDUCTED IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

As part of the investigation, over 40 searches were conducted, including in several government buildings. The opposition has demanded the immediate resignation of the government.

Socialist leader Costa had been in the prime minister's seat since 2015, and the country last held early elections in January of last year.