Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa did not close the door to a position in the European Union, although he said it would be “difficult” as long as he was subject to a judicial investigation, in an interview on Friday with a Portuguese journalist. Television channel (TVI).
“It will depend on the circumstances,” this Socialist official told TVI, but “with the ongoing investigation, it is very difficult.”
Costa, who is believed to be aspiring to succeed Charles Michel as president of the European Council, is currently involved in an investigation for influence peddling, which has led to his resignation.
In a press release that raised suspicions of corruption, the Republic's Attorney General's Office explained on November 7 that the name of the man who was prime minister at the time had been mentioned by some of the suspects.
Mr Costa announced his resignation on the same day, making it clear that he would not seek a new term.
Meanwhile, the moderate right-wing opposition won the early legislative elections that took place on March 10.
But it seems that doubts in this issue related to a huge data center project that will be built near the port of Sens (southwest) have begun to dissipate.
In a press release issued on April 18, the Lisbon Court of Appeal concluded that “the elements presented” in this investigation do not constitute “in themselves any fact of a criminal nature.”
On the other hand, during this interview, Mr. Costa completely ruled out running for the presidency.
“I've said that for a long time, I will never be a candidate,” he admitted.
The Prime Minister, who has returned to study at a Lisbon university to pursue legal training in mediation, will also write opinion pieces for a popular daily newspaper and become a commentator for a news channel.
