António Costa denied access to Operação Influencer files by PGR

The Portuguese Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) has maintained that former Prime Minister António Costa is not permitted to access files related to 'Operação Influencer'. The PGR stated that because Costa is considered a suspect rather than a formal procedural party, and because the investigation remains under external judicial secrecy, he does not meet the legal criteria for consultation.

Reports indicate that the Public Ministry has denied access requests from Costa's legal team six times between November 2015 and April 2024. Costa has criticized these denials, characterizing them as an attack on the rule of law. The investigation, which led to the resignation of his government in 2023, involves suspected economic-financial crimes related to data center construction in Sines, lithium exploitation in Montalegre and Boticas, and hydrogen energy production.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice, has emphasized that judicial investigations cannot continue indefinitely, stressing the importance of reaching a decision to either archive the case or issue an indictment.