Amidst heightened criticism over the government's sluggish response to severe winter storms in Portugal, which have resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, Interior Minister Maria Luzia Amaral announced her resignation. The announcement was made by the office of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday evening, indicating that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro would temporarily take over Amaral's duties.

This winter has witnessed several powerful storms hitting Portugal, leading to catastrophic events such as floods, landslides, and widespread power outages, causing significant infrastructural damage across various regions. The criticism towards Amaral intensified particularly after the impact of storm "Kristina" at the end of January, which was responsible for the death of six individuals. Another life was lost recently due to storm "Leonardo," which affected both Spain and Portugal, further amplifying scrutiny on the government's emergency management.

Amaral's resignation reflects broader concerns about the government's preparedness and responsiveness in the face of natural disasters. The situation raises vital questions regarding the effectiveness of the current administration in dealing with climate-related emergencies and whether necessary measures will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Political analysts and citizens alike are keen on observing how the transition of responsibilities will influence the government's approach moving forward, especially with regards to disaster readiness and recovery efforts.