Europe Asia News

Maria Lucia Amaral announced her resignation, stating that she "no longer had the necessary personal or political conditions to continue in the role."

According to sources, the resignation was suggested by the Prime Minister, who will temporarily take on "the relevant responsibilities."

Criticism of Amaral’s performance dates back months, including the perceived poor performance during last summer’s wildfires.

Her handling of the storm series was claimed to be "equally lacking" in political awareness, empathy, and dynamism.

SIC Notícias' "Verifica" program recently pointed out that "in the country's tragic situations, it took several days for Maria Lucia Amaral to make her first public statements. When she did, she either avoided answering journalists' questions or did so with noticeable difficulty."

At least seven people died in the storms and floods in the past weeks. The storm caused widespread damage estimated at four billion euros.