Widespread network and political earthquake. Inspections were conducted in Portugal in several ministries and in the official residence of the Prime Minister as part of an investigation into corruption, according to Portuguese media. A few hours later, Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who had been in power for eight years, resigned from office. Resignation accepted by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portuguese Head of State.
On Wednesday, the conservative president summoned the parties represented in Parliament, with the aim of organizing an early vote, according to a press release issued by the Portuguese presidency.
Suspicions of influence peddling in contracts related to green hydrogen
According to national media, these operations are part of an investigation related in particular to suspicions of influence peddling and corruption in contracts linked to the mining of green hydrogen and lithium, a metal used in the manufacture of batteries and essential for the energy transition.
The inspections, which involved about 140 police officers, included the Ministry of Environment and Infrastructure, according to the daily newspaper Publico. The Minister of Infrastructure was also charged. The Ministry of Environment also confirmed these searches, explaining that it did not know the reasons.
