"Portuguese PM António Costa's Resignation Sends Shockwaves Amid Corruption Probe"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by BBC.com
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has resigned following an investigation into alleged corruption involving concessions for lithium mines and hydrogen production. While Costa has not been named as a suspect, he believes the inquiry is incompatible with remaining in office. His chief of staff, Vítor Escária, has been detained, and Infrastructure Minister João Galamba has been indicted. Costa stated that the dignity of the prime minister's role is not compatible with any suspicion of criminal activity and pledged to cooperate with the investigation. The political crisis comes as Portugal's lithium reserves are seen as crucial for Europe's electric car demand.