LISBON: Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has resigned amid an investigating probe over corruption charges, Western media reported on Tuesday.
The 62-year-old Costa who has been Portugal’s leader since 2015, stressed his innocence in the case in a televised address adding that he resigned due to the circumstances.
The announcement came hours after police apprehended his chief of staff while raiding different public buildings and other properties as part of the investigation.
The state prosecutor’s office said the Supreme Court was probing suspects’ “use of the prime minister’s name and his connection in carrying out illegal activities.
It went on to say the minister of infrastructure, João Galamba, and the head of the environmental agency were also facing the probe.
Portuguese President accepts Costa’s resignation
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has already accepted Costa’s resignation and he is likely to dissolve parliament and call for a new election.
The president in a statement said he will be calling parliament session on Wednesday, and will address the nation after the Council of State meets on Thursday.
Costa in his remarks said the dignity of the prime minister’s office is not compatible with any distrust on his integrity.
Read Also: OIC Secretariat Urges Global Community to Help Resolve Kashmir Issue
The judge is probing alleged corruption of elected officials related to lithium mine links near Portugal’s northern border with Spain.
The police has raided the premises of the ministry of the environment, the ministry of infrastructure, the Sines town council, private homes and offices.
Costa had plans to remain in power for several years after his Socialists clinched a landslide victory in elections last year.
