Portugal's Political Crisis: Resignations, Dissolved Parliament, and Corruption Scandals

Portugal is facing a political crisis after Prime Minister António Costa unexpectedly resigned following his implication in a corruption probe. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa now has the task of appointing a new prime minister or dissolving parliament, potentially leading to an election. Costa's control over the country abruptly ended after police raided his residence and several ministries as part of an investigation into corruption related to lithium exploration schemes and a green hydrogen mega-project. The president has various options, including asking Costa to stay on as caretaker, naming a new prime minister, or dissolving parliament. The Socialist Party, despite being involved in the corruption investigation, still leads in the polls, but forming a coalition government with the far-right Chega group may be necessary for the main opposition party to gain power.