Portuguese Prime Minister resigns over corruption scandal

Antonio Costa, the Portuguese Prime Minister, has announced his resignation following his alleged involvement in corruption.

The Prime Minister tendered his resignation on Tuesday after meeting with the country’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

In a press conference, Costa said, “The duties of the Prime Minister are not compatible with any suspicion of my integrity. In these circumstances, I have presented my resignation to the president of the Republic.”

Prior to the announcement, Portuguese media on Tuesday reported that investigators had searched several ministries as well as Costa’s offices.

Public prosecutors later said they had indicted Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba and issued an arrest warrant for Costa’s chief of staff.

The investigation covers alleged “misuse of funds, active and passive corruption by political figures, and influence peddling,” according to a statement from public prosecutors.