Madrid, 7 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has abruptly resigned, hours after police raided his residence, government ministries and other properties as part of a major corruption probe.

Costa said in a televised address on Tuesday that he handed in his resignation to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The Socialist politician said his conscience was clear, but the allegations were too serious for him to continue holding office.

The investigation revolves around suspicions of bribery and favouritism in the allocation of concessions for lithium mining and the production of green hydrogen, the state news agency Lusa, the state broadcaster RTP and other Portuguese media reported.

According to the reports, five people were detained, including Costa's Cabinet chief Vítor Escaría.

The prosecutor's office confirmed that searches had been conducted at dozens of residences and offices, including the ministries of Infrastructure and Environment, as well as Costa's residence.

But neither prosecutors nor police have provided further details.

The shock resignation came after opposition parties demanded Costa, 62, step down and new elections be held.

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