After Prime Minister Costa’s surprising resignation due to corruption investigations, President de Sousa announces new elections in Portugal.
After the resignation of Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolved parliament and called a new election for March 10th. He said this in a speech to the nation after a meeting of the Council of State in Lisbon.
The socialist Costa unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday because of corruption investigations against himself and other members of the government. Rebelo de Sousa also announced that Costa would remain acting head of government until he was replaced.
The Council of State is a body that has existed in Portugal since 1845 and advises the president. It includes current and former elected officials as well as other personalities.
On Tuesday, Costa denied any guilt, but emphasized that the head of government’s position was incompatible with the suspicion that he had committed a crime. The investigation concerns suspicions of illegal practices such as bribery and taking advantage in the awarding of concessions for lithium mining and in the production of green hydrogen.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
