Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns over corruption investigation

Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigns after an investigation into alleged irregularities in lithium mining and hydrogen projects. Prosecutors name Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba as suspect and detain PM's chief of staff. Antonio Costa says he is "fully available to cooperate" with justice system and will not stand as candidate for premiership again.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned on November 7 amid an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

Mr. Costa announced the decision in a televised statement after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said he conscience was clear but he would not stand as candidate for premiership again.

Prosecutors earlier on November 7 named Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba as a formal suspect and detained Mr. Costa’s chief of staff. The opposition has demanded that the government step down with immediate effect.

Mr. Costa said he was “fully available to cooperate” with the justice system after prosecutors said he was also the target of an investigation.

“The dignity of the functions of prime minister is not compatible with any suspicion about his integrity, his good conduct and even less with the suspicion of the practice of any criminal act,” Mr. Costa told reporters.