Portugal - Real Clear President

In a dramatic turn of events, Miguel Albuquerque, the president of the Government of Madeira, has officially submitted his resignation amid corruption allegations. The resignation, accepted by the representative of the Republic, Ireneu Barreto, is pending an effective date, leaving the region in a state of political uncertainty.

Albuquerque’s decision comes just two days after he was accused in an ongoing corruption investigation, which subsequently led to the arrest of Funchal’s mayor, Pedro Calado (PSD), and two businessmen associated with the construction and tourism sectors.

While Ireneu Barreto has accepted the resignation, the timing of its effect remains undetermined. Barreto mentioned that he is considering the best time for it to take effect, possibly after the approval of the Regional Budget or sometime later this week.

The resignation process, as outlined in article 62 of the Political-Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, requires the president of the Regional Government to present the request for dismissal. This process initiates a period of transition that will likely impact the region’s political landscape.

Madeira recently held elections for the Regional Legislative Assembly on September 24, 2023, and according to the law, any possible dissolution of the government by the President of the Republic can only occur after March 24, 2024, ensuring a stable political environment for at least six months following the elections.

Miguel Albuquerque’s resignation leaves a leadership vacuum in the PSD/CDS-PP coalition, which holds an absolute majority in the Legislative Assembly. The PAN’s support through a parliamentary advocacy agreement adds complexity to the situation.

Ireneu Barreto emphasized that he will only engage with the nine parties represented in the regional parliament after the executive is officially dismissed. The discussions with PSD, PS, JPP, Chega, CDS-PP, PCP, IL, BE, and PAN will shape the path forward for Madeira’s political landscape.

The upcoming Budget discussions for the Autonomous Region of Madeira in 2024, with a record value of 2,238 million euros, take center stage in the midst of this political turmoil. Scheduled for February 6-9, the Budget approval is crucial for the region’s stability, preventing management by twelfths.

Albuquerque, who has served Madeira for 30 years, expressed his commitment to the region’s primary interests, citing families and businesses. He stressed the importance of avoiding economic and social instability that could hinder the region’s development.

Remaining as the President of the PSD/Madeira until a new congress is convened, Albuquerque confirmed that he will not occupy the position of deputy in the Regional Legislative Assembly. As Madeira navigates these challenging times, the focus remains on ensuring the best interests of the region are safeguarded.

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has announced his resignation following a widespread corruption investigation involving his government, creating ripples of shock in the otherwise tranquil political landscape of the European Union member.

The 62-year-old Costa, who has led Portugal’s Socialist party since 2015, took to the national stage in a televised address to assert his innocence while making the startling announcement. He said, “In these circumstances, obviously, I have presented my resignation to the president of the republic.”

Costa, who secured a surprising absolute majority in a snap general election held in January 2022, was set to embark on his third consecutive term as prime minister. Despite his willingness to serve the entirety of this legislative period with dedication, he emphasized that he would not be running in any upcoming elections.

The shockwave came after Portuguese media reported the detention of at least five individuals, including Costa’s chief of staff, Vítor Escária, and his friend, business consultant Diogo Lacerda Machado. Costa’s Socialist government had been a fervent supporter of various schemes to extract lithium in different parts of Portugal as part of the EU’s broader effort to secure critical raw materials. However, these projects have faced significant controversy due to concerns about the quality of elements to be extracted and the anticipated environmental damage.

The state prosecutor’s office revealed that the Supreme Court is investigating the “use of the prime minister’s name and his involvement” in allegedly illicit activities. The probe has also implicated the Minister of Infrastructure, João Galamba, and the head of the environmental agency.

Portuguese President Rebelo de Sousa confirmed that he had accepted Costa’s resignation and would be meeting with party leaders in the coming week. The president now faces the pivotal decision of either dissolving parliament and calling for new elections or allowing Costa’s socialists, who hold a parliamentary majority, to form a new government.

The unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Costa has undoubtedly thrown Portuguese politics into a state of flux. As the nation awaits the president’s decision, the future of the government remains uncertain, and the ongoing corruption probe will undoubtedly be closely watched both within Portugal and beyond its borders.

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Madeira President Resigns Amid Corruption Allegations

Portuguese PM António Costa Resigns