Portugal's PM Costa resigns over corruption investigation

File photo: Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa speaks in a press conference during the Portugal-Brazil Summit, at Belem Cultural Centre in Lisbon, Portugal, April 22, 2023. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File photo

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned on Tuesday amid an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

Costa announced the decision in a televised statement after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said he conscience was clear, but he would not stand as candidate for premiership again.