Maria Lúcia Amaral, the Minister of the Interior of Portugal, has resigned due to the government's mishandling of severe storms that have ravaged parts of the country. Over the past few weeks, a series of storms resulted in the loss of 15 lives and caused widespread destruction to essential infrastructures. The resignation comes amid growing criticism of the government's response to the crisis, particularly the delay in action following the impact of Storm Kristin, which recorded wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour.

The circumstances surrounding Amaral's resignation expose the fragile political situation within the Portuguese government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Following Amaral's resignation, Montenegro will temporarily assume her responsibilities, a move indicative of the government's struggle to manage the crisis effectively. Political pressure has mounted as Amaral faced increasing calls to step down, particularly after she failed to make public appearances during the critical 48 hours after the storm hit.

This development raises questions about the leadership and decision-making processes within the Portuguese government, especially in disaster response scenarios. As the country begins to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts, the resignation may signal a turning point in how the government handles similar crises in the future, emphasizing the need for accountability and swift action in the face of natural disasters.