Portugal advances the date of the next elections

The Portuguese Prime Minister, one of the rare socialists at the head of a European government, was investigated on Tuesday for corruption and influence peddling.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced, on Thursday evening, the dissolution of Parliament and the call for early legislative elections on March 10, 2024. This came after the resignation of Prime Minister António Costa, who is involved in a corruption scandal.

During a televised speech, the president thanked his former prime minister for his “willingness” to continue leading the government until his successor takes office.

The leader did not accept the proposal of the Socialists, who would have preferred a solution of continuity, with the appointment of a new Prime Minister who would rule with the support of the majority they enjoyed in Parliament:

On suspicion of interfering to “open proceedings” in the context of this case, Antonio Costa will be subjected to an independent investigation, according to the prosecution. (ATS/JCH)