Portuguese Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral has resigned amid criticism of her government's response to recent winter stormsPortugal's interior minister steps down over growing criticism over storm responseBy The Associated PressResidents of a hotel are evacuated by police officers and marines by inflatable boat along a flooded street after the Sado River overflowed following heavy rains in Alcácer do Sal, southern Portugal, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)MADRID -- Portugal's interior minister has stepped down in response to growing criticism of her government's response to successive winter storms this season, in which at least seven people have died. Amaral, a lawyer, was criticized for her government's slow response, particularly during Storm Kristin, which struck the country in late January, killing six people, according to media reports. Another person died last week when Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal. Amaral is the first minister to step down since the center-right government led by Montenegro came to power last May.

Source: ABC News February 11, 2026 13:53 UTC