Portugal's Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral has stepped down from her position in response to mounting criticism over her government's handling of a series of devastating winter storms. The resignation marks a significant political development as Amaral becomes the first minister to leave office since the center-right government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro took power in May 2025.
Resignation Amid Growing Pressure
Maria Lúcia Amaral, a lawyer by profession, submitted her resignation after concluding that she "no longer possessed the personal and political conditions necessary to hold the position," according to a statement released late Tuesday by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's office. The announcement came following weeks of intensifying scrutiny over the government's response to successive winter storms that have battered Portugal this season.
Deadly Storms Wreak Havoc
An ongoing series of severe winter storms has caused widespread destruction across Portugal, a European Union nation with approximately 10.7 million inhabitants. The extreme weather events have triggered catastrophic floods, dangerous landslides, and extensive power outages while causing significant infrastructure damage across multiple regions of the country.
The storms have resulted in at least seven confirmed fatalities. Media reports indicate that six people lost their lives during Storm Kristin, which struck Portugal in late January. Another individual died last week when Storm Leonardo impacted both Spain and Portugal, adding to the tragic toll of this severe weather season.
Criticism of Government Response
Amaral faced particular criticism for what many perceived as her government's slow and inadequate response to the emergency situations, especially during Storm Kristin. The public and media scrutiny intensified as the scale of the devastation became apparent, with many questioning the preparedness and effectiveness of emergency services and government coordination during the crises.
Political Implications and Temporary Leadership
Following Amaral's resignation, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro will temporarily assume responsibility for the interior ministry portfolio until a permanent replacement is appointed. This development represents the first ministerial resignation since Montenegro's government came to power, potentially signaling broader political ramifications as the administration continues to address the aftermath of the severe weather events.
The resignation comes at a critical juncture for Portugal's government as it continues to manage recovery efforts from the storm damage while preparing for potential future weather emergencies. The interior ministry plays a crucial role in coordinating emergency services, civil protection, and disaster response across the nation.
