Portugal’s prime minister has announced his resignation after he was caught up in a corruption investigation.
Antonio Costa’s decision came hours after police arrested his chief of staff following a raid on several public buildings as part of the probe.
The state prosecutor’s office said the Supreme Court was examining suspects’ “use of the prime minister’s name and his involvement” when carrying out allegedly illicit activities.
It said the minister of infrastructure, Joao Galamba, and the head of the environmental agency were among those named as suspects.
Speaking in a TV address, Mr Costa, 62, said: “Obviously, I have presented my resignation to the president of the republic.
“I totally trust the justice system.”
Mr Costa, Portugal’s Socialist leader since 2015, has denied all wrongdoing.
It is expected President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will accept his resignation.
An investigative judge had issued arrest warrants for Mr Costa’s chief of staff Vitor Escaria, the mayor of the town of Sines, and three other people because they represented a flight risk and to protect evidence, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
The judge is investigating alleged malfeasance, corruption of elected officials and influence peddling related to lithium mine concessions near Portugal’s northern border with Spain and plans for a green hydrogen plant and data centre in Sines on the south coast.
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Raids took place on the infrastructure and environment ministries, as well as Sines town council, private homes and offices.
Lithium mines and hydrogen projects in Portugal form part of the continents green plans being pursued by the European Union.
This story originally appeared on Skynews
