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In Portugal Government, A Case of One Family Tie Too Many

  • Junior minister, aide quit over media report they’re relatives
  • Cabinet already includes married couple, father-daughter
Antonio Costa
Antonio CostaPhotographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
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A secretary of state and an aide stepped down from Portugal’s Socialist government on Thursday amid allegations of nepotism, the first resignations since Prime Minister Antonio Costa came under fire last month over family ties within his government.

Secretary of State for Environment Carlos Martins announced that he’s quitting amid controversy surrounding his 2016 appointment of aide Armindo dos Santos Alves. News website Observador reported earlier in the week the two men are cousins.