Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa has resigned amidst an investigation into corruption and bribery. This move came immediately after investigators searched the residence of Costa and other associates seeking evidence of concessions and other materials given.

The root of the scandal relates to Portugal’s concessions of lithium mines in the north as well as rolling out hydrogen production plants and data processing centers in the south. For the European Union, finding an alternative provider of raw materials such as lithium to China or South America is highly desirable. 

While the government of Portugal and the European Union would benefit from an in-house member providing the entire continental bloc with lithium, and in return a projected boost to the economy, for the Portuguese people there is considerable pushback.