Portuguese PM's Political Star Fades Amid Corruption Scandal
• Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa was a rising political star seen as a potential candidate for European Council president, but his career came to an abrupt halt due to a corruption scandal.
• Police raided Costa's official residence and arrested members of his inner circle on charges of corruption, embezzlement and influence-peddling. Costa resigned but maintains his innocence.
• Costa built a reputation domestically and internationally as a pragmatic, skillful negotiator and deal-maker, forging an unprecedented left-wing governing coalition.
• However, governance flaws emerged - questionable dealings by Costa's network of "problem solvers," and unwavering loyalty even when they became liabilities.
• Costa hopes to clear his name in the ongoing investigation, but doubts linger over his suitability for European Council president.