Maria Lucía Amaral, the Interior Minister of Portugal, resigned on Tuesday following backlash regarding the government's response to intense weather phenomena that have devastated the country in recent weeks, claiming the lives of at least 14 individuals. The Iberian Peninsula has been at the forefront of climate disruption in Europe, experiencing increasingly prolonged heatwaves and severe rainfalls that are becoming more frequent and destructive.

The resignation came as President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa accepted Amaral's decision, stating that she no longer possessed the "conditions, from a 'personal' and 'political' perspective, required to remain in office." Amaral, who is also a law professor, faced criticism from opposition parties for her initial absence when the first storms hit Portugal at the end of January, suggesting that her response was insufficient during a time of crisis.

This situation highlights the growing challenges that European governments face due to climate change, particularly within regions like the Iberian Peninsula that are experiencing extreme weather patterns. Amaral's resignation may serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address the urgent need for effective disaster response strategies and climate resilience planning to prevent future tragedies.