Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday, after being implicated in a corruption investigation involving lithium and hydrogen projects in the country. Costa said he had a “clear conscience” and “complete trust in justice”, but that he could not continue to lead the government under suspicion of his integrity.
Costa’s decision came hours after prosecutors said they had detained his chief of staff, Vitor Escaria, and named his infrastructure minister, Joao Galamba, as a formal suspect in the probe. The investigation, which began in January, is looking into allegations of misuse of funds, corruption of elected officials, and influence peddling in relation to lithium mining concessions and a green hydrogen plant and data centre in Sines.
Costa, who has been in power since 2015 and won a third term with an absolute majority in a snap election in January 2022, said he would not run in any future elections. He also expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese people and his political allies for their support during his tenure1.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accepted Costa’s resignation and said he would consult with party leaders later this week to decide on the next steps. He could either dissolve parliament and call for a new election, or allow Costa’s Socialist Party, which has a majority in parliament, to form a new government.
The corruption scandal has shaken the political stability and the public trust in Portugal, which has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic recovery. It has also raised questions about the country’s ambitious green agenda, which aims to make Portugal carbon-neutral by 2050 and a leader in renewable energy production and innovation.
The resignation of Costa could also have implications for the immigration policy of Portugal, which has been relatively open and welcoming to foreigners in recent years. Portugal has attracted many immigrants from Brazil, China, and other European countries, as well as refugees and asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East. The country has also introduced several schemes to attract investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and digital nomads, such as the Golden Visa program, which grants residency and citizenship rights to those who invest in real estate or create jobs in Portugal.
Portugal’s immigration policy has been praised for its flexibility, simplicity, and inclusiveness, as well as for its contribution to the country’s economic and social development. However, it has also faced some challenges and criticisms, such as the lack of integration and support for some immigrant communities, the exploitation and abuse of some migrant workers, the rise of xenophobia and racism in some sectors of society, and the pressure on the housing market and public services due to the influx of foreigners.
It is unclear how the political crisis and the corruption scandal will affect the immigration policy of Portugal soon. Some observers fear that the uncertainty and the loss of confidence in the government could lead to a backlash against immigration and a shift to a more restrictive and nationalist approach. Others hope that the new government, whoever it may be, will maintain the openness and the generosity of Portugal towards immigrants and refugees, and will continue to pursue the green and digital transformation of the country.
source: apnews.com, theguardian.com, schengenvisainfo.com, expatica.com, portugalgoldenpassport.com, beportugal.com, aljazeera.com, imigrante.sef.pt