After the resignation of Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolved parliament and called new elections for March 10. He said this in an address to the nation on Thursday evening after a meeting of the Council of State in Lisbon.
Socialist Costa unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday amid corruption investigations against himself and other members of the government. Rebelo de Sousa also announced that Costa would remain acting head of government until he was replaced.
The Council of State is a body that has existed in Portugal since 1845 and advises the president. It includes current and former elected officials, as well as other personalities.
Costa denied any guilt on Tuesday, but emphasized that the head of government’s position was incompatible with the suspicion that he had committed a crime. The investigation concerns suspicions of illegal practices such as bribery and abuse in the granting of concessions for lithium mining and in the production of green hydrogen.
(hah/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
