TAP privatization and airport decision among files facing delay after Costa’s dismissal

The privatization of TAP and a decision on a new airport promised by next year are two of the government’s main agendas that are at risk of delay following the resignation of Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

The government took the first step towards privatizing TAR by approving a decree-law defining the terms of the sale and promising to complete the process in the first half of next year, but this is a dossier that may be under review. risk with the resignation of Antonio Costa.

Regarding the airport decision in the Lisbon region, the independent technical committee (CTI) responsible for analyzing the various proposals has entered the final stage of its work, culminating in a final report that will form the basis of the government’s decision.

Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba promised a quick decision after analyzing the CTI’s final report, but given the political uncertainty, this process could also be jeopardized.

Railway modernization work, which has already been delayed, could be similarly affected.

The portfolios are held by Infrastructure Minister João Galamba, who was named by the Justice Department on Tuesday as a defendant in an investigation related to the lithium and green hydrogen business.

Prime Minister António Costa asked the President of the Republic to resign, which he accepted after the State Ministry reported that he was the subject of an independent Supreme Court investigation into the lithium and hydrogen projects.

The president convened the parties for a round of hearings at the Belem Palace in Lisbon on Wednesday and will meet with the Council of State on Thursday.

In a statement at the Palácio de São Bento, António Costa refused to commit “any illegal or objectionable act” and expressed his full readiness to cooperate with justice “in whatever he deems necessary.”