The Prime Minister of Portugalthe socialist Antonio Costainterrupted by a scandal related to lithium and hydrogen companiespresented his resignation on Tuesday to the President of the Republic, who accepted it.

“The functions of Prime Minister are not compatible with any presumption of my integrity. Under these circumstances, I have tendered my resignation to the President of the Republic.” Marcelo Rebelo de SousaCosta stated to the press.

De Sousa’s office announced shortly afterwards that the conservative president “accepted” the resignation and that he was convening a meeting of the parties with parliamentary representation on Wednesday to organize early elections.

The investigation targeting Costa, who was one of the few socialists to head a government in Europe, is linked to suspicions of “embezzlement, active and passive corruption of public officials and abuse of influence” when awarding concessions for lithium mines and hydrogen production.

This Tuesday, the Portuguese Public Prosecution Service raided several ministries and the Prime Minister’s office and filed charges against the Minister of Infrastructure, Joao Galamba.

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He also indicated that “the name and authority of the Prime Minister were mentioned by the suspects.”

He specified that Costa had intervened “to unblock files” and that the allegations against him would be investigated in an independent investigation.

Costa said he was “surprised” by the opening of that investigation. (JO)